Bold, vivid and teeming with whimsy, “Seussical: The Musical” celebrates standing up for what one believes in. From its vibrant setting to its jubilant musical and dance numbers, the production captures the hearts of adults and children alike.
Set to be performed at the Jerry Herman Theatre from April 22-26, “Seussical: The Musical” follows Horton the Elephant as he fights to protect Whoville, a tiny world on a speck of dust, while navigating judgement, love and responsibility.
For Nathaniel Bergman, who plays Horton, stepping into the role of Horton led to a personal discovery.
“I never knew about Horton as a kid,” said Bergman, a senior musical theatre major. “When I got the role, I did research and found we are a lot alike. He has a big heart and expresses a wide range of emotions, just like me.”
Bergman said playing Horton is a milestone because it’s his first lead role.
“I’ve been in five other productions by the department,” Bergman said. “In the others, I was in the ensembles and was off stage at times. As Horton, I’m on stage nearly the entire time. I’m grateful to play a lead character before I graduate this semester.”
“Seussical: The Musical,” is a musical comedy written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. The musical draws from Dr. Seuss’ books, “Horton Hears a Who!,” “Gertrude McFuzz” and “Horton Hatches the Egg.” The musical debuted on Broadway in 2000 and ran until 2001. It closed due to a $10.5 million loss. The production has survived because of schools and regional theaters producing it.
The Cat in the Hat frequently appears throughout the musical as the narrator and several minor characters, including JoJo’s friend. Originally written as a male character, JoJo is the child of Mr. and Mrs. Mayor of Whoville. The production at the Jerry Herman Theatre features a female JoJo, played by Gabby Parker.
The musical is directed and choreographed by Kyle Pleasant, a guest educator from New York. Pleasant is an adjunct professor at Marymount Manhattan College and has taught students for nearly two decades. His work has appeared on ABC’s “The View” and at the White House for First Lady Michelle Obama. He said he hopes the production will entertain and also inspire audiences to think critically about the world.
“I think of Dr. Seuss as the original Pixar,” Pleasant said. “He wrote about the struggles young people go through to be seen and heard and about other things. He translated complex human experiences, making them palatable for kids and adults alike. I hope audiences have fun but also think about the world, as Dr. Seuss invites his readers to do.”
Dr. Seuss’s wonder and layered storytelling comes to life visually through the show’s scenic design. Scenic Designer Brandon Newton and Assistant Scenic Designer Michelle Saguinsin designed an intricate set. They imaginatively used each of the set pieces, creating an immersive environment that transports the audience into the Jungle of Nool. Platforms, staircases and rolling structures double as interactive props and vivid backdrops, allowing the actors to climb, hide and engage with the on-stage world around them.
While the pieces themselves remain stationary, the use of dynamic lighting vividly brings the on-stage world to life. Lighting designer Arnold Bueso explores shape and texture, matching the mood and movement of each scene.
During the underwater sequence of “It’s Possible (McElligot’s Pool),” the shapes morph into fluid, circular patterns that mimic the current of the ocean. Bubbles float across the stage, adding a magical element that matches the scene’s dreamy tone. In contrast, numbers like “Biggest Blame Fool” transform the lighting into more angular and strobelike patterns, energizing the space and highlighting the choreography.
Each dance number perfectly matches the production’s jubilant and childlike spirit, with the cast using movement to bring life to every scene. The “Monkey Around” number stands out with its playful, dance-battle-like energy, adding liveliness to an otherwise darker scene.
Ben Pollak, who plays The Grinch, said he’s developed his dance skills with Pleasant’s guidance.
“I had little dance experience before Seussical,” said Pollak, a musical theater and architecture double major. “Kyle has helped me a lot and inspired me to take a dance class next semester.”
Hector Montoto’s commanding vocals and sharp comedic timing as General Genghis Khan Schmitz in “The Military” perfectly capture the over-the-top nature of the scene. Every line he delivers carries a strong, authoritative one, and his clever use of physical comedy adds to the overall playful, imaginative spirit of the show.
Montoto said his character and the musical’s creativity resonate with him.
“Jojo is known for her wild imagination,” Montoto said. “As a kid, I was a lot like Jojo, and when I became an adult, I learned the importance of organization. I feel like both personalities are reconciled in me.”
After enrolling in the theatre arts program five years ago, Montoto was able to attend the university thanks to his wife’s position, which provides him with tuition remission. Montoto, 46, said that in his 20s he never imagined performing in a musical. Now, he hopes to make a career out of it.
“The other day, I was talking to John Berst, the music director,” Montoto said. “I was looking at the stage and said, ‘in moments like this, I feel like pinching myself because I can’t believe I’m at UM and part of Seussical.’”
That same excitement is reflected in extraordinary performances from Joy Missey as the Cat in the Hat, Leandrea Brooks as Gertrude and Naphtailda Jean Charles as the Sour Kangaroo. Each of them bring powerful vocals and distinct personality to their roles, dominating the space and demanding attention from every audience member. And, regardless of the song’s tone, the emotional weight of their performances is undeniable. Each note lands with powerful emotion –– funny, moving or tear-jerking in turn.
Missey said playing The Cat in the Hat has given her a fresh, unique challenge.
“My character is kind of a being of chaos,” the musical theatre major said. “It’s very different from other roles I’ve played because I’ve never done this much on-stage improv. I’m also the narrator and so I’m interacting with the audience, which has been interesting.”
Like the vocals, the costuming ties everything together, serving as the perfect icing on top of an already fun, eccentric cake. Iconic attire, like the Sour Kangaroo’s bright, bold dress and paired hat, the Cat in the Hat’s sparkly tuxedo and Gertrude’s cosmic orange tail reflect each character’s personality and emotional journey without overshadowing the story.
“Seussical: The Musical” delivers a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. From laugh-out-loud comedy to heartfelt moments, the show reminds its audience that wonder, joy and heart are timeless, no matter one’s age.
“There’s something in this show for everyone,” production stage manager Jordan Jones said. “If I could give it an appropriate age range, it’d be for anyone five to 99.”
Whether you’re looking for a playful take on a classic Broadway production or simply a fun and entertaining outing for the whole family, “Seussical: The Musical” hits all the right notes.