Seussical the Musical
at Lutheran High School of Orange County
Reviewed on April 4, 2014
Name | School | Publication/Broadcasts |
Siena Brown | SOCSA Dana Hills | Orange County Register |
Reed Jones | Laguna Hills High School | Orange County Register |
Allison Cruz | Aliso Niguel High School | OC Cappies Facebook |
Siena Brown
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register
Wackiness En-Seuss at Orange Lutheran's "Seussical"
In a little school library, on a dark dreary day, a marvelous story begins its display. The cast pulls the curtains and they introduce, a magical show: a show about Seuss!
Orange Lutheran's new production of "Seussical" takes viewers on a whirlwind tour past the world of the ordinary into a realm of imagination, ingenuity, and, of course, winning rhymes.
The humorous musical, narrated by none other than the famed Cat in the Hat, follows a series of normal high school students who are transformed into the colorful and familiar stars of Dr. Seuss's enchanting tales. The main arc of the show follows Horton (Jeremy Thulemeyer), a gentle elephant with a mammoth heart. Thulemeyer's natural stage presence and the ability to add purpose to even his subtlest movements allow him to create a character that is both expressive and sincere. Furthermore, his clear and energized notes give him a sense of sweetness and optimism, especially in his slower numbers.
Another standout character is Gertrude McFuzz (Audrey Bivens), the quirky bird-next-door, and Horton's not-so-secret admirer. Bivens' silvery upper tones add pleasant warmth to her character, and contrast wonderfully with an equally strong belt, introduced when she passionately professes her affection for Horton in "All for You." Her sparkling physicality consists of broad, animated arm-flings and adorably awkward skips about the stage.
Comedic and sassy, Sarah Pierce sets forth another all-star personality with Mayzie LaBird, Gertrude's self-assured neighbor and utter foil. Pierce's fierce and smoky timbre gives her a noticeably mature quality, while her flamboyant sashays and flouncy high kicks allow her to retain an amusingly girlish nature.
The show is ultimately led by Cambria Denim (The Cat in the Hat), who introduces all the characters and conflicts with the flair of a vaudeville host. Not only does she project in a jazzy and confident style, her presence is felt throughout the show, whether the spotlight is focused on her or not.
"Seussical" boasts not only a powerful main cast, but also a solid ensemble. Their tight harmonies and perfectly synchronized gestures help to offer a sense of organization that is paired nicely with the unpredictable nature of the show.
Orange Lutheran's new production is a topsy-turvy and delightfully whimsical masterpiece. To borrow the words of Dr. Seuss himself: this show is fun, and fun is good.
Reed Jones
Laguna Hills High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register
Orange Lutheran's New ‘Think'
What do you get when you combine the classic children's stories of "Horton Hears a Who!" "Horton Hatches the Egg," "The One-Feathered Tail of Gertrude McFuzz," and a new concept of setting their show in a high school library? You get Orange Lutheran High School's Production of Seussical the Musical!
Based on the stories of Dr. Seuss, and emceed by The Cat in the Hat, Seussical combines some of Dr. Seuss' most famous characters and stories, including Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie LaBird, and Horton the Elephant. Seussical centers around Horton as he protects the people of Whoville and hatches an egg he cannot possibly father without the help of Gertrude, who helps him realize that ‘a person's a person, no matter how small.'
The emcee of the show is Cambria Denim in the role of The Cat in the Hat. Denim's jazzy voice and long stride creates the host-like persona of The Cat as she manipulates the ‘world of Seuss' around her. Through her quick changes to many different characters onstage, Denim successfully combines chemistry with comedic timing to show the contrast between The Cat and The Cat's alternate personae.
Alongside Denim is sophomore Audrey Bivens portraying the role of Gertrude McFuzz. Bivens' contrast between her sweet naive singing voice and her powerhouse belt brings depth and energy to her character. In fact, Bivens illuminates the stage with energy and passion in her song "All for You," in which she displays her love for Horton.
Playing the heart and soul of Seussical is Jeremy Thulemeyer as Horton. Thulemeyer's clear diction and heartfelt emotion bring life to both the high school boy and the Seuss character he portrays. Through his interaction with fifth-grade student Danny Smith in the role of Jojo, Thulemeyer effectively creates the father figure of Horton who protects Jojo's ‘thinks.'
Seussical's ensemble of characters, led by Sarah Pierce and Amanda Dayhoff in the roles of Mayzie and the Sour Kangaroo respectively, creates smooth transitions and effective contrasts between their high school characters and Seuss characters. High energy and cartoonish physicality by Orange Lutheran's ensemble brings the Seuss child out in all who watch.
Placing their show in a new setting, the cast of Orange Lutheran High School's Seussical the Musical brings song, laughter, and the heart of Dr. Seuss' stories to the Nechita Center stage.
Allison Cruz
Aliso Niguel High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook
'Seuss' Comes Alive at Lutheran High
Anything is possible in the fantastical world of Dr. Seuss, where all creation relies solely upon imagination. In a whimsical interpretation of these beloved stories, Lutheran High School adroitly fuses powerful lessons of hope and faith into both story and song.
Hosted by a sanguine Cat in the Hat, this "Seussical" musical adventure features a myriad of Seussian characters and tales. At the heart of the story is the conscious reminder that all life is valuable, "no matter how small."
Horton the Elephant (Jeremy Thulemeyer) clings on to this poignant phrase, proving his strong perception of the world around him. Thulemeyer sets up his character as the sympathetic protagonist with his strong convictions about the existence of Whoville. His determined eyes, as well as his protective body language, demonstrate genuine compassion and understanding. His clear, expressive diction adds to his endearing qualities.
The quirky Gertrude McFuzz (Audrey Bivens) is equally endearing as she vies for Horton's attention. Bivens' infectious energy never wavers, even as she belts her memorable "All for You." Every soprano note is seamless and effortless, especially during her animated movements, demonstrating impressive stamina.
The ostentatious Mayzie LaBird (Sarah Pierce) counters with her self-assured, solid tone in "Amazing Mayzie." Pierce's warm voice allows her to create the maturity needed for her sassy character. With unmistakable flair, she carries out complex dance moves that command focus.
A powerhouse vocalist, Amanda Dayhoff as the Sour Kangaroo steals the show. Dayhoff's deep, sultry sound exudes a bold personality characteristic of this persistent antagonist.
A standout character, the Cat in the Hat (Cambria Denim) orchestrates the entire show with remarkable confidence. Her comfort in transitioning into the story as an exotic nail artist or a showy circus trainer exhibits outstanding comedic timing. Denim's various accents distinguish each of her sub-characters, and her jazzy vocals remain consistent throughout.
The foundation of this production is rooted within the cohesive ensemble, from the Wickersham Brothers to the Bird Girls. Their ability to mold their outrageous characters into a unique library setting is an astonishing testament to their flexibility as actors. Buoyant in every dance, all of the characters express distinctive personalities and talents, especially the Circus Unicyclist (Brayden Martino).
In this truly incredible production, Orange Lutheran instills an unmistakable appreciation not only for the artistic language of Dr. Seuss, but also the meaningful messages behind his iconic stories.