Reviewed by Ceri Horner
May 2011
Seussical the Musical by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens is a story of loyalty and friendship based on an amalgamation of the famous Dr Seuss books.
There is a wonderful spirit of community in the Murray Bridge Players and Singers production, with a huge team both back stage and onstage led by Director Kevin Schrapel, Musical Director Chris Hodgen and Choreographer Mari Reu.
Jesse Budel is wonderful as Horton the Elephant and is matched well with Amanda Hill as Gertrude McFuzz. Both sing beautifully and handle their large roles well.
Trent Baker is not a strong singer but is entertaining as the Cat in the Hat. Emma Harrison is wonderfully selfish as the irresponsible and lazy Mayzie La Bird.
Ingrid Mueller is less successful as the Sour Kangaroo but has plenty of great sassy attitude as does Calypso Marshal as Baby Roo.
Grantley I Hughes and Robyn Schubert are not well cast in the roles of Mr and Mrs Mayor of Whoville and are occasionally barely audible.
In this production, it is the really young ones that capture your attention. Katelin Kneebone shines as Jo-Jo and The Boy, appearing to be one of the most experienced and polished performers on stage and Eliza Davis is absolutely adorable as the Baby-Elephant Bird and stands out for irresistible cuteness in all the chorus numbers.
The orchestra conducted by Jack Love are well rehearsed but could pick up the tempo in a few numbers.
The large costume team have obviously worked very hard to clothe the massive cast in colourful and original costumes and the results are great!
Overall, this production lacks polish and is a little awkward in places but the pace is good. It has plenty of heart and some wonderful young new talent.
