Review: 'Seussical The Musical' by Stage Seven Community Theatre

Pictured above: The cast of 'Seussical The Musical' at Seven Angels Photos by Paul Roth

Dedicated to the memory and imagination of kindergarten teacher MaryEllen Marques

Waterbury, CT - The Stage Seven Community Theatre Production at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury has produced a magical production of SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL that will go down in history as one of their best productions ever. Simply everything about this production comprised of community theatre A-listers working together with dedication and a strong dose of Seuss imagination made for an outstanding matinee that I truly did not want to end. All the praise goes to director James Donohue for this multi-colored artistic masterpiece.

SEUSSICAL, with Ahrens and Flaherty music and book and Eric Idle credited as a co-conceiver, is one of my all-time favorites that I have reviewed many times, so I can be picky about the details. I literally could not stop smiling for the entire show, mostly because of my enjoyment of the interpretation of the material, but also at a sense of pride for everyone involved. If I personally were to pick a cast for this beloved musical, I could not have done a better job than Mr. Donohue, and did I mention that he also took on the lead role of Horton the Elephant alongside his directing duties?

“Much like Dr. Seuss, not imagining or creating isn’t living.” - director James Donohue

So after doing a wonderful job with the house announcements (with just a little help from backstage) Mr. Donohue ran backstage to open the show with a magnificent “Oh the Thinks You Can Think!” with the entire company dressed in all black and The Cat (the outstanding Zachary Taylor) in his iconic hat and tie. I mention the costumes because then the cast members began a seemingly never-ending series of changes to make the world of Seuss come to life. The show-stopping numbers came fast and furious and in the hands of this stellar cast and production crew, it looked magical indeed.

The costumes designed and coordinated by Claire Gaudette set the most colorful tone and popped on the set with the Seuss-inspired scenic paint design by Alicia Napoliatano. Mr. Donohue was in charge of the whimsical prop design and the choreography by Brittany Mulcahy added even more umph to the already memorable staging of the director. Sound design by Matt Martin was seamless and the tree where Horton protected Mayzie’s egg was tall enough to require a ladder. Music Director Sean Lewis (on keyboard) led the amazing musicians in the pit that included TJ Thompson on synth/keyboard 2, Dan Kraszewski on bass, and for the second weekend Kert Berglund on drums.

I loved, loved, loved the teen chorus onstage for my favorite “Solla Sollew” because it adds so much to the beautiful tune. The take on “Havin’ a Hunch” was one I had not seen and it worked. I jumped when a stage light popped at the matinee but oh, how we laughed when Horton acknowledged Gertrude’s trip on the ladder as she “almost took the house down.” Nothing was going to ruin this performance.

But I hope you're prepared
To be scareder than scared!
'Cause this ain't Mother Goose! - “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think”

And this cast….just wow. Mr. Taylor (THE FULL MONTY at the Warner) used his onstage charm to make it look easy to play the whiley Cat in his 7A debut and did not miss a beat. This talented young man also covered some tiny roles often played by a member of the ensemble.

Mr. Donohue brought his many talents to the role of the dedicated Horton the Elephant. His rendition of “Alone in the Universe” set the standard for anyone taking on this role and brought a tear to my eye. By all reports, appearing in the show did not not affect his directorial duties. The fact that he has worked with the students at The Gilbert School on several shows allowed him to be extremely patient with the youngest of the Whos; they appeared to be having the time of their lives, as did every member of the cast.

The adorable Marcia Maslo (NUNCRACKERS, MY FAIR LADY at 7A) was noticed throughout in the role of Gertrude McFuzz; her speaking voice was perfect for this role and her glorious soprano nailed her plaintive solos.Chuck Stango was the definitive Mr. Mayor of Whoville and with Michelle Gotay as his wife, well, anything's possible.

Juliette Koch mastered the role of Mayzie LaBird in her 7A debut with two of her daughters on stage with her. She was able to convey the selfish character with just a glance and of course sang and dance wonderfully. On a side note, Ms. Koch was in charge of the magical sky-high Who Hairdos for the youngest ladies in the cast, but not the hair and makeup for Mr. Stango.

Colton Zawisza, a seventh grade student at The Gilbert School, traveled a long way to take on the role of Jojo and it was great to see a boy in the role, especially one with such a great singing voice and super stage presence. Jasmen Hunter came in at the eleventh hour to tackle the singing as the Sour Kangaroo, but you would never know that she was performing with only two rehearsals. This upcoming junior at The Hartt School can SING!

The sparkly Bird Girls included Erica Blasko (SPRING AWAKENING at the Warner) in her 7A debut, Veronica Johnson (TAMING OF THE SHREW at Chase Collegiate) and choreographer Brittany Mulcahy (GREASE and MAMMA MIA with Landmark.) Ms. Mulcahy will be appearing in the return of BEEHIVE at 7A. During the intermission, the youngest members of the audience were picking up the colorful feathers that had fallen off of their impressive tails.

The wonderful Wickersham Brothers included Jewell Hearon (GREASE by Landmark, Prince Christopher in CINDERELLA at Watertown HS,) the extremely talented Occidental College sophomore Cary Cannata and Theron Johnson III (FULL MONTY, GREASE) in his 7A debut.

Christian Johnson covered both the Grinch and Yertle the Turtle. In the superb ensemble was Norma Jean Lombard, EARLENE’S DINER guy Joe Stofko, Hailey Stofko, Arianna Rose, Brooklyn Nina, Lilyana Bodnar of Naugatuck, Nicole Thomas in her ninth production at 7A, Zach Petraca and at the matinees nine month old Ethan and Ella Zimmerman as the Elephant Birds with their parents Laura and Tad Zimmerman as Thing 1 and Thing 2. The evening shows were past their bedtimes, so Brooklyn Nina covered for them.

I am sorry to report that this community theatre production closed with the Sunday matinee, but I am glad that I was able to share my thoughts with the cast and crew and ensure that it is considered for my year-end top ten list. Congratulations to one and all on a production of which they should be very proud and is a “think” I will long remember.

Nancy Sasso Janis Photo by Gary Rosengrant

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417