Seussical the Musical More Information

Based on the beloved characters and stories of Dr. Seuss, this musical incorporates elements from at least 15 Dr. Seuss books and includes appearances by many of his most famous characters.

Seussical the Musical follows the adventures of Horton, an elephant who one day hears voices coming from a speck of dust. He soon discovers that within this tiny speck exists the smallest planet in the universe!

And upon this tiny planet live a tiny race of creatures known as Whos! Although ridiculed by the other animals in the Jungle of Nool for believing in something he cannot see, Horton stubbornly persists in his belief that the Whos exist.

Meanwhile, the citizens of Who are having some adventures of their own, including a war over which side of the bread gets buttered. Jojo, the smallest child in the city of Who, parallels Horton's journey as he is ostracized for the unpopular act of thinking -- an activity not encouraged by the parents and teachers of Whosville.

But in spite of these obstacles, Jojo and Horton attempt to do what they think is right, and together they sing the duet "Alone in the Universe."

However, their path will not be easy. Horton is sold to the Circus McGurkus and eventually goes on trial before Judge Yertle the Turtle before the other animals of the jungle come to understand, as Horton has always known, that "a person's a person, no matter how small."

During the course of the play, the Cat in the Hat pops in and out of scenes, narrating, playing numerous characters, and helping the younger members of the audience keep track of what's going on.

The Cat In The Hat (Male or Female, Comic role, agile, improvisation): causes trouble, but always sets things right again; there are script versions for a male or female performer. Ragtime style music.
Jojo (played by male or female): a "Thinker", a smart, sometimes rambunctious little boy with a wild imagination. Slightly awkward, a bit of a loner.
Horton The Elephant: a gentle giant - steadfast and responsible, imaginative and receptive to the world around him. He is very un-self-conscious.
Gertrude McFuzz: very self-conscious. Changes from a vain, neurotic, nervous & shy bird into one with the power to protect and care for a baby elephant bird.
Mayzie La Bird: self-centered, manipulative, selfish and vain. Her moment of generosity comes when she realizes Horton will be a better mother to her egg.
Sour Kangaroo: Has a lot of attitude. She's loud and brassy and lots of fun! Her "joey" is a puppet that rides in her pouch and occasionally sings along.
General Gengus Khan Schmitz: bursting with pride at the military academy he runs, and the soldiers he turns out. He is not sadistic, mean or abusive. He is proud! This makes him a comic character, because it's clear he's so misguided.
The Wickersham Brothers: not bad guys! They're simply a lot like kids who tease, play pranks and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at others' expense.
The Whos: They're a lot like you and me only so small as to be invisible. Don't think of them as cute midgets or weird little aliens. They should be played for inherent humanity. This goes for MR. and MRS. MAYOR, who are parents trying hard to raise a difficult child in a difficult world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love him dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake. Encourage everyone playing a Who to try and create his or her own, unique character.
Jungle Creatures: No matter how these actors are costumed, please ask each one to create a distinct human persona. They are real people at heart, just like us, even though they may be described as animal characters. We discourage masks and literal "animal costumes." Be imaginative. Be Wild. Be simple.