The NLTC’s Seussical the Musical is exuberant, lovable and wonderful entertainment.
David Salter’s mischievous, multi-skilled and multi-talented Cat in the Hat is marvellous. Sam Stringer is well cast as JoJo with his expressive face and beautiful voice. Horton the Elephant is wonderfully played by Sebastian Cooper – who couldn’t love a gentle elephant with a fine voice guarding a tiny world on a speck of dust while sitting on an egg in a tree? Amy Nagesh’s portrayal of the lovelorn, loyal Gertrude McFuzz is classic musical comedy. Casmira Hambledon is soulful and powerful as the Sour Kangaroo; Tegan Gully vamps things up as the colourful Mayzie La Bird; and Andrew Hawkins and Sandy Wandel add maturity, dignity and lovely duets as Mr and Mrs Mayor. Trevor Anderson as General Ghengis Khan Schmidt and his troop of mini soldiers and marching band are just gorgeous. All the leads were well supported by a talented and energetic cast.
Rose Vallen’s choreography was outstanding and every member of the cast should be congratulated on their professionalism and artistry. Congratulations also to Bec Mason for her musical directorship and coping with the Cat’s invasion of the orchestra pit so well. The costumes by Merici Thompson and Cheryl Ford were delightful particularly those for the Whoville citizens. The set design was simple and effective enabling this large cast to fill the space with music, colour and humour.
Director Stephen Tulip has conjured up the world of Seuss convincingly and produced a heart-warming musical with something for everyone, whether you like green eggs and ham or not!
