CYGAMS – SEUSS THE MUSICAL, APRIL16, 2007 NODA REVIEW

 Director Jeremy Tustin, Musical Director – Bryan Cass 

I seem to have avoided the works of Dr Seuss in my own childhood and only vaguely remember the odd looking cartoon in the hands of my children. What a delightful surprise that his characters should be brought to life and his stories set to music in such an energetic, intriguing and entertaining show. The energy and entertainment comes from the characters and the way these young performers portrayed them but the intrigue comes from the plot. On one level here are a series of zany musical sketches held together by a thin plotline about an elephant who finds an inhabited planet of tiny people on a speck of dust but at another level these sketches are metaphors for many of the topical issues that Seuss, a political cartoonist during World War Two, commented upon.  But the overarching theme is “imagination” or “thinks” as Seuss puts it and there was no shortage of that in this production, starting with the set, which was limited to a couple of narrow folding side flats, a couple of on stage flats, some narrow back curtains that added depth when appropriately lit but all highly evocative of the cartoons.  The costumes, too, including the wigs, no doubt inspired by the drawings in the books, were nevertheless very well executed. A cast of thirty five young people, including at least ten principals sang and danced their way through thirty eight named songs/scenes, with no conductor, since the band was hidden away backstage. The Cat in the Hat was played with maturity and mischief and successfully linked the scenes; Horton had a lovely voice and the duet with the so talented yet so young Jojo, Alone in the Universe, was a joy to listen to.  Mayzie La Bird was pin-sharp throughout; her movements were dynamic yet had definite beginnings and endings. Gertrude McFuzz was endearing; Sour Kangaroo statuesque in her thigh boots and Joey pouch; Mr and Mrs Mayor suitably cloying while the General played the military martinet in an absurdist manner that his funnel of an army helmet emphasized only too well.  There were one or two audibility issues but overall this was a splendid production that was directed with skill.  Each company member seemed to have his or her own character, making this more enjoyable to watch and I imagine even more fun to take part in. Congratulations to all!

The hat in a spot. The book at the back. And two pairs of steps.

Thatʼs the Seuss-style set-up for Young Genʼs hugely enjoyable picture-book musical. New to me, and to many others, I guess.

The fast-moving plot, almost all set to music, gives plenty of chances for character work, eagerly grasped by Kevin Jarvis as Schmitz, Rhiannon Heap as Mayzie and Bart Lambert as a sulky Grinch.

Best costume was worn by Constance Lawton as Sour Kangaroo, and the love interest, such as it was, came from Joe Toland as Horton and Jessica Broad as Gertrude, the girl next door; they both gave 100% to their performances.

Whoville was represented by Sam Pridige as a likeable Mayor, with Laura Bradley as Mrs, and Elliott Elder as a wide-eyed Jojo, who thinks too much, singing and acting with style and confidence. His pacifist moment was one of the high points of the show. The Cat in the Hat was in the safe paws of Tom Moore, who carried his numbers, and the plot, with aplomb.

Great work from the chorus, too, singing and dancing through jungle, pool and circus.

The music is catchy, charming, but soon forgotten. Bryan Cass and his band caught the styles well, but the tricky entries and slippery rhythms sometimes tested these young performers.

Direction and choreography were by Jeremy Tustin.

Michael Gray