FEATURING AN ALL-YOUTH CAST: AGES 8 TO 18
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Co-Conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, and Eric Idle
Based on the Works of Dr. Seuss
Director: Cori McDaniel
Music Director: Sarah Layman Graf
Choreographer: Keyairra Talley
PERFORMANCE DATES: August 4-6 & 11-13
Rehearsals Begin: Saturday, May 27
Rehearsals are Mondays & Tuesdays 6-9 pm, and Saturdays 1-4 pm
AUDITION Details
Sunday, April 23 3 pm – 7 pm
*PLEASE NOTE: This production will feature an all-youth cast. We are only looking for Singers/Actors/Dancers between the ages of 8 and 18.
Please arrive on time to fill out the necessary forms. All minors must have a parent or guardian age 18 or older present to help provide accurate information and to sign the form. Please plan to stay for the entire audition time, although not everyone will need to stay for the full duration.
Please prepare a 16 bar cut of an age-appropriate musical theatre song (not from Seussical). Please either bring sheet music to sing with our provided accompanist or an instrumental track on a CD or iPod (no voices on the track).
Everyone will learn a dance combination. Please wear something you can move well in.
Some auditioning may be asked to stay and learn short music selections from the show.
If you have any questions about the show, auditions, or are unable to attend on the scheduled date, please contact the director, Cori McDaniel, at corimsound@gmail.com
Location:
ShenanArts at The nTelos Theatre
300 Churchville Ave, Staunton, VA 24401
Email: theatre@shenanarts.org
www.shenanarts.org
540.712.0001
About the Show
Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! All of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters are lovingly brought to life, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination – JoJo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus and to the invisible world of the Whos.
The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including JoJo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must also guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, anger, 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.
Character Descriptions:
The Cat in the Hat
Gender: Male or Female Age: 13 to 18 Vocal Range: Tenor/Baritone or Alto
The essence of mischief, fun and imagination. The Cat stirs things up, causes trouble, but always sets things right again. Is the host and emcee of the evening, playing many comic minor parts throughout the story, sometimes improvising with the audience, and a presence in almost every scene. Strong singer with strong movement skills and comic ability.
Horton the Elephant
Gender: Male Age: 13 to 18 Vocal Range: Tenor/Baritone
An elephant and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Gentle, big hearted, appealing. He is very imaginative and believes in the world’s goodness. He is responsible and always tries to do the right thing for his friends. He is responsible for saving the planet Who and in doing so befriends JoJo. Strong singer/actor with good comic timing.
Gertrude McFuzz
A bird and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Very self-conscious, shy, and nervous at first, she grows into a kind and caring protector. Is in love with Horton and does what she can to get his attention, including foolishly growing an enormous feathered tail. She is a bit naïve at times, but always is a voice of reason. Strong singer/actor with good movement skills and comic timing.
Gender: Female
Age: 13 to 18
Vocal Range: Soprano
JoJo
A young boy (could be played by a girl). JoJo is a Who and is the only child of the mayor and his wife. A “Thinker” – a smart child with a wild imagination. A little bit awkward, a little bit of a loner, or simply a rambunctious kid whose “Thinks” get him into constant trouble. In the end, his Thinks save his planet. Strong singer/actor.
Gender: Male or Female
Age: 8 to 12
Vocal Range: Soprano/Alto
Mayzie La Bird
A bird and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Self-centered, selfish and vain. She manipulates anyone she can (especially Horton) into doing what she wants, but she isn’t all bad. Strong singer/actor with strong movement skills. Very comic.
Gender: Female
Age: 13 to 18
Vocal Range: Soprano/Alto
Mr. Mayor
A Who. The Mayor of Whoville and JoJo’s Dad. He and his wife try 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. Strong singer/actor.
Gender: Male
Age: 13 to 18
Vocal Range: Tenor/Baritone
Mrs. Mayor
A Who. The Mayor’s Wife and JoJo’s Mom. Her and her husband try 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. Strong singer/actor.
Gender: Female
Age: 13 to 18
Vocal Range: Soprano
Sour Kangaroo
A kangaroo and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. She isn’t really sour at all. She’s just got a lot of attitude. She’s loud, brassy, and a lot of fun. Is the main antagonist and the cause of all Horton’s trouble. A strong singer/actor with good comic ability and soulful singing. Think Patti LaBelle meets a Desperate Housewife.
Gender: Female
Age: 13 to 18
Vocal Range: Soprano/Alto
General Gengus Khan Schmitz
A Who. A General who is bursting with pride at the military academy he runs, and the boys he turns out. He is not mean; he honestly thinks he is doing the right thing and is making the world a better place. Strong singer/actor with comic ability.
Gender: Male
Age: 13 to 18
Vocal Range: Baritone
Thing 1 & Thing 2
The Cat’s main helpers and an extension of his personality. Essence of mischief, fun and imagination. They assist The Cat in many ways, either playing small roles or causing havoc. They have a presence in almost every scene. Strong movers with good singing voices and good comic ability.
Gender: Male or Female
Age: 8 to 18
Vocal Range: Any Range
Young Kangaroo
A baby kangaroo and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. She is the Sour Kangaroo’s daughter and does whatever her mother does. She’s very sassy with lots of attitude. Good singer/actor with comic ability.
Gender: Female
Age: 8 to 12
Vocal Range: Soprano/Alto
Wickersham Brothers
Monkey brothers and citizens of the Jungle of Nool. These are 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. They side with the Sour Kangaroo in her campaign against Horton and cause more trouble for Horton. Strong singer/movers with lots of soulful singing, much like a hip hop group.
Gender: Male or Female (to play male)
Age: 8 to 18
Vocal Range: Mixed Ranges (Tenor, Baritone, and Bass)
Bird Girls
Sassy birds and citizens of the Jungle of Nool. The popular girls in any school – a clique of pretty, self-centered “back up birds” who do whatever Mayzie does. They often act as storytellers, picking up where the Cat left off. A big presence throughout the evening. Good singer/movers with lots of soulful, sassy singing.
Gender: Female
Age: 8 to 18
Vocal Range: Mixed Ranges (Soprano, Mezzo, and Alto)
The Grinch
A green beastie who lives in Whoville. He is a happy member of the Who community, but this wasn’t always the case. He once lived angrily apart and wished to disrupt the pleasantry of the Whos. His story and change of heart are all part of Who culture now, and happily retold every Christmas. Will also be in the Ensemble.
Gender: Male
Age: 13 to 18
Vocal Range: Baritone/Bass
Yertle the Turtle
A turtle and citizen of the Jungle of Nool. He is the King of the Pond and thinks he is more important than what he really is. Presides as the Judge at Horton’s trial. Strong singer/actor. Will also be in the Ensemble.
Gender: Male
Age: 13 to 18
Vocal Range: Baritone/Bass
Vlad Vladikoff
Vlad does the Wickershams’ dirty work. In his full glory, with his large imposing wingspan, he is scary and formidable. Will also be in the Ensemble.
Gender: Male or Female (to play male)
Age: 8 to 18
Vocal Range: Any Range
Cindy Lou Who
A cute little Who, who is now best friends with the Grinch and participates in his Christmas pageant every year. Will also be in the Ensemble.
Gender: Female
Age: 8 to 12
Vocal Range: Any Range
Ensemble
Plays a variety of characters including Citizens of Who, Cadets, Thinks, Circus Performers, & Hunches. Strong singer/actor/movers.
Gender: Male and Female
Age: 8 to 18
Vocal Range: All Ranges
