Sprightly co-directed by Jasmine French and Reggie Guyton for Springfield Theatre Centre, Seussical Jr. is a kinetic, family-friendly mash-up of Dr. Seuss’s popular rhymes and tales. Brought to life by a 40-member cast of children age 5 to 17 from all across central Illinois, this production radiates whimsical energy.
“Kids come into this with a spirit, attitude and joyfulness that is really infectious,” said Guyton. That youthful spontaneity shines through every scene of this silly but sapient show. The focus and dramatic flair displayed by all performers is remarkable; if any of them aren’t having a blast on stage, they’re master actors already.
The story is hosted by the mischievous Cat in the Hat, played charismatically by Zola Westfall. Channeling the bold comedic energy of Melissa McCarthy, Westfall commits to every voice and antic, delivering laugh-out-loud results. The Cat stirs up chaos for a young Who named JoJo, played by third-grader and STC newcomer Romeo Montague. Montague brings a sincere child-like wonderment to the madness swirling around him, accompanied by a beautiful singing voice. During his solo, “It’s possible,” there will not be a dry eye in the house. Not crying is actually impossible.
When asked about his favorite part of the show, Montague’s candid answer proved just as charming as his performance. “Being JoJo,” he said.
Will Manfredo shines as Horton the Elephant, anchoring the show with a stunning vocal performance and poignant vulnerability. Horton is a demanding role that keeps Manfredo on stage for much of the run, but he carries that weight effortlessly. His rendition of “Alone in the Universe” is delivered with such pure, heartfelt magic that one believes this 10th grader might really be on a solitary plight to protect the Who’s.
“I have a lot of friends in this show and I’ve made a lot too, being able to express myself with this character and great directors – the whole experience is just amazing,” said Manfredo.
Playing opposite him, Zoe Jennings is utterly delightful as the one-feather bird Gertrude McFuzz. True to her namesake, she delivers a Zooey-Deschanel-type quirkiness and infuses her character with genuine humor and warmth.
High school junior Avianna Fuentez makes an impressive and sassy marsupial, the Sour Kangaroo – especially with her sidekick young kangaroo, played with cheeky wit by Ellery Behl.
“We have a lot of younger kids here, and it’s nice helping those kids out. It’s my favorite when tech week comes around and we pull it all together,” said Fuentez.
A standout of this production is Nileana Viña Peña as the effervescent Mayzie La Bird. Armed with a powerhouse belt, rich vibrato and star quality, Peña delivers a professional performance. If you dropped her directly onto a Broadway stage or Disney Channel set tomorrow, nobody would bat an eye. She is a bonafide theatrical force and an absolute marvel to watch.
Several featured players also command attention with their hilarious acting and vibrant vocals. Aiden Rudd and Maleigha Wilson are wonderful as Mr. and Mrs. Mayor, Marcus Butler delivers a memorable and funny Grinch, Grayson Eisele brings an agile comedy to the unruly Wickersham brothers and ensemble member Bee Otwell consistently catches the eye with an undeniable stage presence.
Visually and stylistically, the production feels like a show conjured entirely by children – and that is high praise. Far from diminishing the adult staff, it appears designed to evoke that nostalgia of neighborhood kids in a backyard staging an imaginative spectacle. Think Lord of the Flies, if it had gone infinitely better and they had simply formed a musical theater troupe. The costumes are bright, expressive clothes rather than bulky mascot animal suits, and the hair and makeup are refreshingly subtle, (both designed perfectly by Betsy Butell). The set design and its pieces, created by Guyton and T. David Parker, serve as wonderful off-kilter nods to Seuss’s love of squiggly lines and a colorful palette. The choreography by Brianna Nichole Austin deftly highlights the cast’s individual personalities.
With the core themes of community and empathy, it’s the best show to bring together a multi-age cast.
“Building friendships with people who aren’t from the exact same space that you are, and the message of sticking up for the little guy, is what makes this production special,” French reflected. That off-stage camaraderie translates into an on-stage triumph. Springfield Theatre Centre’s Seussical Jr. is an exuberant romp that proves great theater comes in all sizes.
Seussical Jr. continues its run at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in the LRS Theatre Oct. 2-4 and 9-11. Friday and Saturday performances start at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 217-523-2787 or visiting hcfta.org/tickets.
