Review: Cat in the Hat Visits Sacramento in Bright and Colorful SEUSSICAL

Oh the things you can think when you think about Seuss! Imagination runs wild in California Musical Theatre's latest Music Circus production, Seussical the musical, which makes excellent use of the company's mechanized stage and brings classic Dr. Seuss drawings to outstanding scenic, lighting and costume designs.

Audiences will recognize the Grinch, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and even some green eggs and ham. John Treacy Egan's sweet and loyal Horton the Elephant vows to protect the people of Whoville, whose fate depends on a speck of dust. But in order to do so, he must contend with belting divas, amazing Mayze (Ginifer King complete in Vegas-style feathers) and Sour Kangaroo (Sharon Wilkins, who originated her role on Broadway). Poor Horton is left egg sitting and labeled the "biggest blame fool" in the jungle. Meanwhile, animated character actress Bets Malone's Gertrude McFuzz grows more feathers to attract Horton's attention, and a very talented young Josh Davis as JoJo of Whoville struggles to make his parents proud after his "thinks" get him into trouble. A solid ensemble fills out smaller roles like the Wickersham Brothers and Yertle the Turtle (a name just plain fun to say) with animated facial expressions and perfect vocals.

The high-energy Seussical features a long list of catchy tunes (with very little dialogue) and enough lead characters to make even the Cat in the Hat (who doubles as conductor) share the spotlight. Comedic actor Jason Graae's Cat in the Hat throws in one-liners - including a Hamilton reference - and drives around on a glorified scooter - although he never does jump out from under his center-stage, oversized red and white hat, a small disappointment among mostly delightful moments. Always mischievous and fun, the Cat encourages JoJo's growing spirit and creativity with a message that mirrors the very heart of musical theatre.

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SEUSSICAL
California Musical Theatre
Music Circus at the Wells Fargo Pavillion
Through July 17
www.CALMT.com

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