ABOUT THE ARTISTIC TEAM:

Director: Regina LeBlanc

Assistant Director: Evan LeBlanc

Stage Manager: Emily Feldman -  I am 17 years old and have worked as a Stage Manager at Shine On Performing Arts for nearly two years. In this role, I support rehearsals by helping students stay focused, taking detailed notes for the Director, and ensuring all elements of the production run smoothly. During show week, I coordinate sets, props, and student performers to make sure every scene is executed correctly. I have stage managed multiple productions at SOPA, including Alice in Wonderland, Finding Nemo Kids, Frozen Kids, and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Although I plan to pursue a career in early childhood development after high school, stage management has given me valuable experience that will benefit my future. I’ve learned how to engage with children who are on the spectrum and other learning or physical differences, support students when they’re upset, and apply first aid when needed. I’m grateful for all that I’ve learned at SOPA and look forward to continuing to grow here!

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical KIDS, a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime).

Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat, our narrator, tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child, who gets in trouble for thinking too many "thinks." Horton's challenge is twofold — not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!

Seussical KIDS is great fun for the whole family. Young performers will be excited to portray the characters from the popular Dr. Seuss books. This musical provides wonderful creative opportunities in terms of set design, lighting and costuming and can easily accommodate a large cast.

LIST OF CHARACTERS:

Jojo
JoJo is the audience’s link to the story. The audience follows the narrative through his eyes (he’s also referred to as Child), so it’s most important to cast a young man with an earnest and open disposition. He should be a great singer and actor.  Gender: male

The Cats
The Cats (Cat 1, Cat 2, Cat 3) are mischievous, spirited creatures who take JoJo and the audience on quite an adventure. Cast three actors, male or female, with great singing chops and who can move well. Since the Cats take on different roles throughout the play, these actors should be bold, versatile and able to switch roles at the drop of a dime. Gender: any

Horton
Horton is a loveable elephant with a heart of gold. Cast a young performer who can sing well and convey great loyalty and conviction to the Whos. Gender: male

Mr. Mayor
Mr. Mayor is the mayor of Whoville and the perfect picture of patriarchy. He tries to keep the town happy and secure, which is quite a job since the tiny Whos are always in danger of being swept away and lost. Cast a young man who can portray an older age and a sense of authority. Mr. Mayor has a few featured lines sung with Mrs. Mayor, so it’s great if the two actors’ voices work well together. Gender: male

Mrs. Mayor
Mrs. Mayor is the mayor’s wife and is most concerned with trying to make sure her son, JoJo, stays in line. Cast a fine singer and actor complementary of Mr. Mayor and JoJo, whose voice blends well with Mr. Mayor. Gender: female

Gertrude McFuzz
Gertrude McFuzz is a bird with tail envy! Cast a great performer who can sing, act and is a perfect match for Horton. Gender: female

Mayzie LaBird
Mayzie LaBird is a sneaky bird who tricks Horton into helping her take care of her egg. Cast a young woman who can express a fun, jovial and careless spirit. 
Gender: female

Sour Kangaroo
Sour Kangaroo is as sour as a kangaroo can be. Cast a young woman who can sing and act well and can serve up a good deal of attitude. Feel free to cast a younger performer in the role of Young Kangaroo, who could be played by a boy or girl. They should function well as a pair. Gender: female

Young Kangaroo
Sour Kangaroo is as sour as a kangaroo can be. Cast a young woman who can sing and act well and can serve up a good deal of attitude. Feel free to cast a younger performer in the role of Young Kangaroo, who could be played by a boy or girl. They should function well as a pair. Gender: any

Wickersham Brothers
The Wickersham Brothers (Wickersham 1, Wickersham 2, Wickersham 3) are a trio of trouble-making monkeys! Cast three boys or girls who can make strong physical choices, complement one another well and bring a strong, diverse energy to their mischief. Wickersham 3 has mostly solos that aren’t sung, so make sure that actor has great diction and a strong sense of rhythm. Gender: any

Judge Yertle
Judge Yertle the turtle presides over Horton’s court proceedings. This is a fun role for a performer who can make strong acting choices. Gender: any

Vlad Vladikoff
Vlad Vladikoff is an eagle who drops Whoville into a field of clovers! Cast a young performer who has a great sense of comedy and can make strong acting choices in this fun cameo role. Gender: any

Ensemble
The Whos, Jungle Citizens (1-5), Fish, the Wickershams, the Talk Show Host and Marshal are all essential roles for creating the vivid and imaginative world of Seuss. Each creature or person should embody the characters with bold choices and a strong connection to the rest of the players. Gender: any