As an entree for “Seussical Kids” Now Productions presented a pre-show segment showcasing the considerable talents of eight young singers. It was a delightful musical prelude containing some challenging pieces such as “This is Me”, “In my Dreams”, “Corner of the Sky” and “On my Own”. It would be remiss of me to choose a favourite performer because each singer gave of their all. The individual items were well produced and well “sold” to an appreciative audience.
To conclude the segment the cast of Now Production’s upcoming offering, “Grease”, presented a mix of that musical’s show-stopping numbers. If their collective expertise and energy is anything to go by then “Grease” is definitely in the “must see” category. Don’t miss it!
I must pay tribute to Now Production’s electing to make “Seussical Kids” a vehicle by which young company members were in total control of the production. Dual Directors Kane Mobbs and Connor Russell, Choreographer Maisy Jo Russell, Sound Tech Bryce Young, together with Stage Manager Alex Richardson are all in their teens. What a great move handing the performance package to a team of young people and allowing them to run the show. Great stuff! It is a learning experience for them all and surely a springboard to many other ventures into amateur theatre.
“Seussical” was a bright and exuberant piece of nonsensical fun. Kyle Mobbs as a confident and totally personable JoJo, along with Riley Mobbs as Horton the solid, honest and trustworthy elephant both displayed excellent stage presence and leadership. Their combined theatrical salesmanship provided the framework for an enthusiastic and well drilled cast to follow suit. They were ably supported by the Cats (Alyssa Faranda, Melanie Filmer and Ariah Roberts). JoJo’s parents on the microscopic planet Who, Mr and Mrs Mayor (Rhys Young and Chelsea Binns) were an ideal performance duo. Phoebe Clark as Gertrude McFuzz was perfectly charming as Horton’s doting number one fan and Annabelle Restall was a fun-loving and somewhat selfish Mayzie LaBird. Macy Grieger was nicely dominant as the Sour Kangaroo and all the other cast members fitted the show perfectly. The chorus of singers, minor characters and dancers all obviously enjoyed their participation and contribution, for without them there cannot be a whole performance. The audience was thoroughly entertained and so was I.
