Muny's "Seussical" Just What The Doctor Ordered

The Muny's very motivated season of 2014 continues this week with a substantial, sweet and charming production, "Seussical."

Photo courtesy of The Muny

Based on the writing of Theodore Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, the musical relates in easy to understand fashion a tale of taking care of the littlest people in the world,  the residents of Whoville. Leading the cast and narrating the story is John Tartaglia as The Cat in the Hat. He's all over the stage and out in the audience. He is the sparkplug for the entire evening.

Photo courtesy of The Muny

Stephen Wallem of Nurse Jackie fame is Horton the Elephant. His role is responsible for selling the gentler side of the tale amidst all the quirkiness and nicely absurd facets of the characters inhabiting the show. Wallem's role is the warmest of the production and he is terrific.

Photo courtesy of The Muny

Abigail Isom, who has, in many ways, grown up at The Muny, appears as JoJo, a little girl from Whoville whose adventures wind through the story and eventually help rescue everyone. Abigail is an energetic charmer full of natural ability and talent.

Photo courtesy of The Muny

A formidable supporting cast includes the powerful Liz Mikel as Sour Kangaroo, Kirsten Wyatt as Gertrude McFuzz, Julia Murney as Mayzie La Bird and Jim Anthony as the mean-spirited military man, General Genghis Khan.

Photo courtesy of The Muny

The Muny's "Seussical" is the shortest show of the season, breaking about 10:20 pm. The Muny's uses live video to good effect. The musical numbers are nice but not memorable. This show will keep the kids smiling and glued to their seats, and for that reason alone, parents will be smiling too.