Theater Review: 'Seussical The Musical' by Greater Waterbury Children's Theatre

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member Nancy Sasso Janis

Greater Waterbury Children’s Theatre has put together a joyous and colorful production of “Seussical The Musical.” The performances were hosted by Rotella Interdistrict Magnet School in Waterbury. I was invited to attend two performances so that I could see both of the casts in action.

The purpose of the company is to foster social emotional learning, confidence, communication skills, and teamwork through performative arts experiences. Thank you for giving the gift of theater to young people from greater Waterbury.

Students in pre-k through grade eight worked hard in rehearsal these last few months to present the fabulous musical with the dedicated production team of grown-up theater kids. Ben Orlando leads the theater group as both director and choreographer. His sister Danielle Orlando works as both assistant director and the busy stage manager. The siblings founded the theater company last year. Sarah Pellman covered the roles of assistant choreographer and assistant stage manager, and Ariel Giglio also served as an assistant stage manager.

“Mr. Ben” has a long history with “Seussical.” He first performed the role of JoJo as a child and then in 2015 had the opportunity to work as assistant director and choreographer with Blessed Sacrament Children’s Theatre. “The message of kindness, courage, imagination, and believing in the impossible are as timely as ever.” The director made sure to have the shirt that he wore as a child on stage once again.

Emily Lungarini joined the team this year to work with the young performers as musical director, and also conducted the pit orchestra and played keyboard. The director notes that “Miss Emily” is “the most amazing music director I have gotten to work with, and we are so lucky to have you. Your teaching skills and ability to work with our young actors is beautiful.” The wonderfully talented musician taught the students well and also conducted the musicians with care. Two other Zold brothers sat in the pit, with Austin Zold on keys 2 and Kalman Zold on bass.

The show was once again double cast, with each of the leading actors performing their roles for three of the performances. CJ Zold and Marissa Rodriguez both have the energy to play the important role of The Cat in the Hat. Noah Moreno and Bella Joe Irizarry share the role of young JoJo, the “thinker” who quickly gets inserted into the story as the son of the Who Mayor.

William Welcome and Jackson Silvestri share the role of Horton the Elephant in a great gray costume and with wonderful stage presence. Grace Denihan and Ainsley Drewry share the delightful role of the avian Gertrude McFuzz, the neighbor of Horton.

Sharing the role of the over-the-top Amazing Mayzie are Clarinda Coicou and Isabella Crespo, both with the big voices needed for the character. The Sour Kangaroo is wailed to life by Catalina Vazquez and Jaylah Pacheco. Her kangaroo babies are played by the tiny performers Noah Rodriguez and Raven Fortin. Kiyan Brown and Turi Rush share the military role of General Gengus Khan Schmidt.

At all performances the Wickersham Brother “Monkey Around” thanks to Joslyn Martinez, Giada DiMaria and Alessia DiBiase. Felipe Tavares and Ryder Fortin share the role of Mr. Mayor and Mia Florczak and Sophia Lopes share the role of his wife.

Other named roles include London Mieja as the Lead Bird Girl, with Aurora Bourjoin, Maggie D’Angelico, Kailani Pagan and Violet Hornby as her back up Bird Girls. Lilly Casso and Ava Alvarado oversee the trial as Judge Yertle the Turtle, while Mila Robinson flies as Vlad Vladikoff and Aaliyha Allen dons the Santa Suit as The Grinch. Charlotte Van Stone and Vincent DiMaria share the cameo role of the Elephant Bird.

Kudos to the young performers (probably making their stage debut) in the “Littles” chorus, the Whos ensemble and the Jungle Creatures. A few of the women on the production team sat in the front row to help the tiniest performers stay together as they sat at the front edge of the stage.

Tom Van Stone Jr. is credited with the adorable set design that features Seuss-inspired set pieces and a moveable nest for Mayzie and Horton to sit in. There is a light up Seuss sign and a light up circus piece. Karin Lopez worked as the costumer lead of the charming outfits. The Whos are dressed in yellows and oranges and the Jungle Creatures in outfits that suggest their animal. There is definitely some great make up and hair design.

Kudos to the parent liaison Kathryn Van Stone and the technical director John Rush. The Platinum Sponsor is the City of Waterbury, Gold Sponsor is Paul Irizarry, Whoville Hero is John Ellis and the Seuss Sponsors include Commissioner Thomas Van Stone Sr. and Sunshine Dance Center.

The final performance will be presented on Sunday at 2 p.m. Grab your tickets at gwctofficial.com/tickets or at the door, and enjoy the beautiful air conditioned auditorium and support the young talent in this charming performance.