Seussical
at Capistrano Valley

Reviewed on March 28, 2019

Geraldine Ang
University
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Capo Valley's "Seuss" is a Dream Come True
written by Geraldine Ang, a sophomore at University High School

Capistrano Valley's production of "Seussical" brings Dr. Seuss's most beloved characters to life on stage. Horton the Elephant, Mayzie LaBird, and The Cat in the Hat are all out to play. Horton protects the miniscule Whoville with all of his might, battling danger day and night. But the true heroes are the passionate cast and the clever crew, whose brilliant teamwork has really come through.

Kayla Bryant is the Cat in the Hat, flouncing and bouncing, and a little bit bats. She struts proudly across stage with Jojo in tow, her chin tilted up as her singsong voice narrates the show. When things start to go wrong the other characters lament, but Cat reclines to the side, purring with lazy content. Bryant's wide, shining eyes and cheek-hurting grin bring out the Cat's playful nature and the mischief within.

Sour Kangaroo (Alexa Parvaneh) steals the spotlight in "Biggest Blame Fool" in the Jungle of Nool. She snaps sharply at Horton, her pushed-back shoulders and booming voice demanding importance. Her sashaying steps force him to retreat, on-spot notes telling him he is dead meat. The actress's exaggerated self-satisfaction not only displays passion, but highlight a villain unafraid to spring into action.

Horton the Elephant (Ethan Kron) is an endearing delight, trembling nervously as he fights for what is right. He clings to his pink clover, shoulders hunched and head bowed over. He sings softly, gazing out at it all, stating a person is a person no matter how small. Kron's gentle nature is not a shot in the blind. It shows how a hero can be brave, but also friendly and kind.

There is nothing to see in a show without lights, and Katrina Silva and crew's are particularly bright. Deep blue washes over the set, matching the Whos' shadowed fear of danger yet to be met. Vibrant, cherry-red fills the stage when "Amayzing Mayzie's" red-sequined hips begin to sway. The lighting perfectly matches every character's current emotion or mood, and not a single cue is skipped or askew.

The magic does not simply stop there. The set is a colorful spectacle and cartoonish, Seuss props have been designed with great care. Mayzie LaBird (Megan Ross) trills her talented heart out as her beautiful scarlet costume flares like a cloud.

Capo's "Seussical" is full of energy and vivid twists, it is a breathtaking vision not to be missed.

Geraldine Ang
University
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Capo Valley's "Seuss" is a Dream Come True
written by Geraldine Ang, a sophomore at University High School

Capistrano Valley's production of "Seussical" brings Dr. Seuss's most beloved characters to life on stage. Horton the Elephant, Mayzie LaBird, and The Cat in the Hat are all out to play. Horton protects the miniscule Whoville with all of his might, battling danger day and night. But the true heroes are the passionate cast and the clever crew, whose brilliant teamwork has really come through.

Kayla Bryant is the Cat in the Hat, flouncing and bouncing, and a little bit bats. She struts proudly across stage with Jojo in tow, her chin tilted up as her singsong voice narrates the show. When things start to go wrong the other characters lament, but Cat reclines to the side, purring with lazy content. Bryant's wide, shining eyes and cheek-hurting grin bring out the Cat's playful nature and the mischief within.

Sour Kangaroo (Alexa Parvaneh) steals the spotlight in "Biggest Blame Fool" in the Jungle of Nool. She snaps sharply at Horton, her pushed-back shoulders and booming voice demanding importance. Her sashaying steps force him to retreat, on-spot notes telling him he is dead meat. The actress's exaggerated self-satisfaction not only displays passion, but highlight a villain unafraid to spring into action.

Horton the Elephant (Ethan Kron) is an endearing delight, trembling nervously as he fights for what is right. He clings to his pink clover, shoulders hunched and head bowed over. He sings softly, gazing out at it all, stating a person is a person no matter how small. Kron's gentle nature is not a shot in the blind. It shows how a hero can be brave, but also friendly and kind.

There is nothing to see in a show without lights, and Katrina Silva and crew's are particularly bright. Deep blue washes over the set, matching the Whos' shadowed fear of danger yet to be met. Vibrant, cherry-red fills the stage when "Amayzing Mayzie's" red-sequined hips begin to sway. The lighting perfectly matches every character's current emotion or mood, and not a single cue is skipped or askew.

The magic does not simply stop there. The set is a colorful spectacle and cartoonish, Seuss props have been designed with great care. Mayzie LaBird (Megan Ross) trills her talented heart out as her beautiful scarlet costume flares like a cloud.

Capo's "Seussical" is full of energy and vivid twists, it is a breathtaking vision not to be missed.

Carson Preusse
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Capo's "Seussical" amuses and amazes
written by Carson Preusse, a senior at Tesoro High School

A comical cat, an endearing elephant, and mischievous monkeys all weave their way into a young boy's journey in Capo's "Seussical". This energetic show tells the story of a young boy who meets a cat and the imaginative encounters that follow.

The animated Cat in the Hat is played by Kayla Bryant, who propels the show forward with confidence and high energy. Kicking and jumping, Bryant never fails to lose her over-the-top characterization as she careens around the stage, leading the young and imaginative Jojo, played by Elyse Abregov, to new adventures. Throughout the show, Bryant entertains the audience by doing a number of humorous, exaggerated impressions of a jazz singer, a foreign doctor, and a twangy auctioneer.

Ethan Kron portrays the empathetic elephant, Horton. Kron depicts the lovable elephant's kindness and genuineness by consistently delivering his lines in a soft, caring voice. Kron displays an even more compelling and endearing side of his character as he and Abregov sweetly sing "Alone in the Universe".

Natalie Hill portrays the lovestruck bird, Gertrude Mcfuzz, with energy and spirit. As she sings "Notice Me, Horton", Hill expertly blends her strong vocals with an abundance of personality as she awkwardly stomps around the stage, desperately trying to grab Horton's attention.

Contrasting from the inelegant Hill is Megan Ross, as the flashy Mayzie LaBird. Ross exudes confidence by keeping her head held high as she struts around the stage. With strong, sharp movements and sassy facial expressions, Ross appropriately portrays her character and steals the stage every time she dances, radiating confidence and power.

This whimsical show would be incomplete without the fantastical lighting design, by Katrina Silva. Colorful lights brighten the stage, delivering a lively sense of childish imagination to the show. In "Havin' a Hunch", the dark stage is lit by only UV black lights, which illuminate the gloves of the ensemble, allowing them to form to make an arrow or spell out "Hunch". Before Hill sings her love song for Kron, she frantically chases an evasive spotlight around the stage, providing a refreshing and creative comedic moment to the show.

Overall, "Seussical" at Capo Valley High School is brilliantly brought to life through an outstanding, talented cast and an engaged ensemble, creating a show filled with delightful entertainment and imagination.

Carson Preusse
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Capo's "Seussical" amuses and amazes
written by Carson Preusse, a senior at Tesoro High School

A comical cat, an endearing elephant, and mischievous monkeys all weave their way into a young boy's journey in Capo's "Seussical". This energetic show tells the story of a young boy who meets a cat and the imaginative encounters that follow.

The animated Cat in the Hat is played by Kayla Bryant, who propels the show forward with confidence and high energy. Kicking and jumping, Bryant never fails to lose her over-the-top characterization as she careens around the stage, leading the young and imaginative Jojo, played by Elyse Abregov, to new adventures. Throughout the show, Bryant entertains the audience by doing a number of humorous, exaggerated impressions of a jazz singer, a foreign doctor, and a twangy auctioneer.

Ethan Kron portrays the empathetic elephant, Horton. Kron depicts the lovable elephant's kindness and genuineness by consistently delivering his lines in a soft, caring voice. Kron displays an even more compelling and endearing side of his character as he and Abregov sweetly sing "Alone in the Universe".

Natalie Hill portrays the lovestruck bird, Gertrude Mcfuzz, with energy and spirit. As she sings "Notice Me, Horton", Hill expertly blends her strong vocals with an abundance of personality as she awkwardly stomps around the stage, desperately trying to grab Horton's attention.

Contrasting from the inelegant Hill is Megan Ross, as the flashy Mayzie LaBird. Ross exudes confidence by keeping her head held high as she struts around the stage. With strong, sharp movements and sassy facial expressions, Ross appropriately portrays her character and steals the stage every time she dances, radiating confidence and power.

This whimsical show would be incomplete without the fantastical lighting design, by Katrina Silva. Colorful lights brighten the stage, delivering a lively sense of childish imagination to the show. In "Havin' a Hunch", the dark stage is lit by only UV black lights, which illuminate the gloves of the ensemble, allowing them to form to make an arrow or spell out "Hunch". Before Hill sings her love song for Kron, she frantically chases an evasive spotlight around the stage, providing a refreshing and creative comedic moment to the show.

Overall, "Seussical" at Capo Valley High School is brilliantly brought to life through an outstanding, talented cast and an engaged ensemble, creating a show filled with delightful entertainment and imagination.

Lauren Lee
University
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Imagination runs wild in Capo Valley's ‘Seussical'
written by Lauren Lee, a junior at University High School

A spotlight illuminates the face of none other than the Cat In the Hat, who introduces herself and her role in the whimsical show that is set to proceed. The theatre goes dark and suddenly is transformed to the magical, imaginative, colorful world of Dr. Seuss. Capo Valley's "Seussical" immerses the audience into a world where imagination and risks flourish, through a series of stories featuring Seuss' iconic, endearing characters.

Kayla Bryant, as the Cat in the Hat, is the essence of the show's mischief and magic. Bryant employs over the top movements across stage, jerking her legs to swivel her body around and pounding a piano to accompany a ballad. Her narration throughout the story is enhanced through her rich vocals as she carries the melody or blends in with the harmonies.

Ethan Kron, as the benevolent elephant, Horton, portrays his big hearted nature through his pleading, whimpering tone. Kron develops a strong, independent personality and finds the one he's been searching for-Gertrude. Gertrude, played by, Natalie Hill, is a sweet touch of comedy, and a splash of gentle air in this otherwise absurd show. Her powerful vocals with a soft touch of innocence make the character even more lovable.

A standout performance was given by Megan Ross, as the sultry, seductive, and self centered, Mayzie La Bird. Ross name enhances the show with her commanding, impeccable vocals, and she further personifies her character through her jazzy, hip swinging walk.

Ellie Mazak, leading costumes for the show, thoroughly employs the use of bright pops of neon colors and contrasting hues to bring to life the fantastical world of Seuss. Her work on The Who's in Whoville complement the incredible lighting, executed by Katrina Silva. The use of bright oranges and yellows with subtle pops and flashes of green provide an eye catching contrast balancing out different aspects of each character.

Hair and makeup, led by Kayla Marck, articulately demonstrates the whimsicality and nonsensical nature of the show. Much detail was given to the Grinch, who displays a hand painted face that sets him apart from the others on stage.

Capo Valley outshines in their production of "Seussical," and installs a sense of willpower and imagination. The fantastic execution done by the cast and crew makes for a delightfully entertaining show that brings to life the childlike spirit of Dr. Seuss.

Lauren Lee
University
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Imagination runs wild in Capo Valley's ‘Seussical'
written by Lauren Lee, a junior at University High School

A spotlight illuminates the face of none other than the Cat In the Hat, who introduces herself and her role in the whimsical show that is set to proceed. The theatre goes dark and suddenly is transformed to the magical, imaginative, colorful world of Dr. Seuss. Capo Valley's "Seussical" immerses the audience into a world where imagination and risks flourish, through a series of stories featuring Seuss' iconic, endearing characters.

Kayla Bryant, as the Cat in the Hat, is the essence of the show's mischief and magic. Bryant employs over the top movements across stage, jerking her legs to swivel her body around and pounding a piano to accompany a ballad. Her narration throughout the story is enhanced through her rich vocals as she carries the melody or blends in with the harmonies.

Ethan Kron, as the benevolent elephant, Horton, portrays his big hearted nature through his pleading, whimpering tone. Kron develops a strong, independent personality and finds the one he's been searching for-Gertrude. Gertrude, played by, Natalie Hill, is a sweet touch of comedy, and a splash of gentle air in this otherwise absurd show. Her powerful vocals with a soft touch of innocence make the character even more lovable.

A standout performance was given by Megan Ross, as the sultry, seductive, and self centered, Mayzie La Bird. Ross name enhances the show with her commanding, impeccable vocals, and she further personifies her character through her jazzy, hip swinging walk.

Ellie Mazak, leading costumes for the show, thoroughly employs the use of bright pops of neon colors and contrasting hues to bring to life the fantastical world of Seuss. Her work on The Who's in Whoville complement the incredible lighting, executed by Katrina Silva. The use of bright oranges and yellows with subtle pops and flashes of green provide an eye catching contrast balancing out different aspects of each character.

Hair and makeup, led by Kayla Marck, articulately demonstrates the whimsicality and nonsensical nature of the show. Much detail was given to the Grinch, who displays a hand painted face that sets him apart from the others on stage.

Capo Valley outshines in their production of "Seussical," and installs a sense of willpower and imagination. The fantastic execution done by the cast and crew makes for a delightfully entertaining show that brings to life the childlike spirit of Dr. Seuss.