By “Seussical the Musical: TYA” is a musical written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, published in 2000. First premiering on Broadway, “Seussical” was produced at Carroll College for the first time on April 19.
The production featured a live orchestra and school children came to Carroll to watch the show. Carroll performed “Seussical” 17 times.
Designed to appeal to audiences of all ages, “Seussical” is a combination of multiple Dr. Seuss’ stories crafted into one story, featuring an imaginative child named JoJo, Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, and other characters.
Themes of friendship and dedication to others are shared through this 75-minute version of “Seussical the Musical” designed for a child audience.
“College students probably have really fond memories of Dr. Seuss books,” said Kimberly Shire, associate professor of theatre.
Songs play a central role in bringing the play to life with an upbeat mood. Scenes without music are few and far between.
“I love watching a group of people come together, sacrifice their free time and come alive as they are putting together a piece of art,” said Shire.
The story is told through the perspective of JoJo, a Who who lives on a speck of dust that Horton the Elephant finds. Horton the Elephant is protective of this fragile world he found. He ensures no harm comes to JoJo and the other Whos by placing them on a clover.
At the same time Horton befriends Gertrude McFuzz, who abandons her egg, and he dedicates his life to caring for both the Whos and the egg.
Dedication and simple love give light to the play as it brings the various works of Seuss together, affirming friendship and advocacy of the everyone.
As Horton says, “a person’s a person no matter how small.”
