Seussical auditions!

Seussical the Musical

Youth production, ages 7-17

 

Audition dates: Monday, July 30, 2012 or Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.

Callbacks: Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.

Directed by Karen Mo

Musical Directed by David Chan

Choreographed by Christina Rae

Rehearsals: August 6-September 20 Monday -Thursday 4:30-7:00pm (Note: not everyone is needed every day of course)

At the DMTC Performing Arts Center, 607 Pena Drive

Authors

Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty 

Music by Stephen Flaherty 

Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens 

Co-Conceived by Eric Idle 

Based on the works of Dr. Seuss 

 

Character Descriptions (all roles open)

THE CAT IN THE HAT is the essence of mischief, fun and imagination. The Cat stirs things up, causes trouble, but always sets things right again, helping JoJo to discover the power of his imagination as they create the story for the show together. Look for a physically adept actor (male or female) to play the Cat, one who will be able to play many comic cameos and is comfortable improvising with an audience. Come prepared to show me how you can improvise.

THING ONE & THING TWO are not in the original script, I may or may not add them. If I get 2 auditioners that I feel will embrace these roles to add & not distract from the scenes, I will cast these. They do not speak, they need to be physically humorous & supportive of the antics of the Cat in the Hat. They will sing in large ensemble numbers.

 

JOJO is a "Thinker" - a smart child with a wild imagination. He can be played as being a little bit awkward, a little bit of a loner, or simply a rambunctious kid whose 'Thinks' get him into constant trouble. By the end of the show, he learns what it means to be a responsible member of his world, using the power and possibilities of his own 'Thinks.' 

 

HORTON THE ELEPHANT A gentle giant, rotund and appealing. Think of him as a big-hearted blue collar guy who is steadfast and responsible and always tries to do the right thing for his friends. He is imaginative and receptive to the world around him. He is very un-self-conscious. Horton's view of the world never changes--he believes in its goodness. But by the end of the show, without even realizing it, he is ready to become a parent. 

 

GERTRUDE McFUZZ Very self-conscious and aware that her one-feather tail isn't perfect. Gertrude changes during the show from a vain, neurotic, nervous and shy bird into one with the power to protect and care for a baby elephant bird and commit herself to Horton. In other words, she stops worrying about her looks and grows up. 

 

MAYZIE LA BIRD Self-centred, selfish and vain, Mayzie will never admit to her own flaws. She manipulates anyone she can (especially Horton) into doing what she wants. But Mayzie isn't all bad. In giving up her egg to Horton once and for all, she has a moment of generosity--she realizes she isn't the kind of person who'd be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can do for the egg. 

 

SOUR KANGAROO She isn't really sour at all. She's just got a lot of attitude. She's loud, brassy and a lot of fun. 

 

GENERAL GENGUS KHAN SCHMITZ General Schmitz is bursting with pride at the military academy he runs, and the boys he turns out. He is not sadistic, mean or abusive. He is proud! He is doing the right thing for his boys! He is making the world a better place! This makes him a comic character, because it's clear he's so misguided. Please don't play him as a villain or bully. By the end of the show, he's discovered that making war may not be the right thing to do, and that adults can learn from children as well. 

 

THE WICKERSHAM BROTHERS (3) 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 enjoy hanging around with one another, making music together on the street corner, and playing off one another. Encourage each of your actors to find his own Wickersham persona. 

 

THE BIRD GIRLS (3) a type of Greek chorus of birds that are Mayzie's friends. They often act as narrators when the Cat is absent.

 

THE WHOS They're a lot like you and me only so small as to be invisible. Don't think of them as cute midgets or weird little aliens. They should be played for inherent humanity. This goes for MR. and MRS. MAYOR, who are parents trying 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. Encourage everyone playing a Who to try and create his or her own, unique character. 

 

JUNGLE CREATURES No matter how these actors are costumed, please ask each one to create a distinct human persona. They are real people at heart, just like us, even though they may be described as animal characters. We discourage masks and literal "animal costumes." Be imaginative. Be Wild. Be simple.

Chorus of Cat's Helpers, , Citizens of the Jungle of Nool, Whos, Mayor's Aides, Fish, Cadets, Hunters, Circus McGurkas, Animals and Performers

 

 

Plot Synopsis

Now one of the most performed shows in America, SEUSSICAL is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (LUCKY STIFF, MY FAVORITE YEAR, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, and RAGTIME) have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination--Jojo. "Oh, the Thinks You Can Think" captures the show's spirit of imagination, as the colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

 

The story centers around Horton the Elephant, who finds himself faced with a double challenge--not only must he protect his tiny friend Jojo (and all the invisible Whos) from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to 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, the only one who recognizes "his kind and his powerful heart." Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant, in a story that makes you laugh and cry. 

 

Performances

Performances: September 22-October 14 (detailed schedule TBD)