A musical that reminds people to be compassionate and courageous is a story for all ages. Seussical is all of Dr. Seuss’s books put into one show.
Written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephan Flaherty, the story is bright and magical. It’s a story where everyone can become inspired to use their imagination. With music by Flaherty and song lyrics by Ahrens, the show can make the audience feel happy, even if it’s just for a few hours.
The show is put on by StarStruck Theater, a youth performing arts organization in Fremont that’s focused on musicals. It’s directed by mother and daughter duo Lori and Courtney Stokes. The music is directed by Nancy Godfrey and choreographed by Francesca Cipponeri.
Opening night Jan. 10 at the Ohlone College Smith Center was a hit. With its cheery energy, the show is a great pick-me-up no matter what you’re going through in life. The musical is about characters who choose kindness, loyalty and courage. It’s fair to say it was also about inner struggle, self-confidence and humanity itself. That perspective shows in the lyrics, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”
The main characters in the musical include The Cat in the Hat, Jojo, Gertrude and Horton, played by London Roush, Renya Gummadam, Gabrielle Sonnberger and Jeremiah Triplett, respectively.
The plot involves a kid named Jojo who embarks on a journey after being sent to military school for having too many “thinks.” At the same time, Horton finds a planet of people called the “Whos” and an egg that’s left alone by Mayzie la Bird. Gertrude cheers him on during his entire journey.
Overall, the show was funny, sweet and entertaining. The acting, singing and dancing by all cast members was powerful. Everyone is a star in this show. Everyone is in character, and audience members can truly feel immersed in the story.
The magical aspect of the show came from the live orchestra and those in charge of lights and sound. Even the set pieces were carried swiftly by actors who had just finished their scene.
The charming Mayzie, played by Adalyn Michelle Lowe, accomplished her objective of making Gertrude feel less than. Mayzie and the Bird Girls convinced Gertude to change somehow in order to feel better about herself.
Performances by General Gengus Khan Smchmitz, Sour Kangaroo and Young Kangaroo were mesmerizing. The characters were played by Joanna Kuehner, Taia Kao and Yuna Bessemer. Kuehner made a hilarious acting choice of bulging eyes to make her character look more animated, and the vocals from Kao and Bessemer were impressive. The Bird Girls ensemble had amazing harmony.
Unforgettable moments include scenes that involve tiny lights sprinkled on the set that change colors and a magical tub. There were interactive moments with the audience and an astonishing light show.
Tickets are available at starstrucktheatre.org/pages/tickets. Folks have a chance to watch the show the next two weekends, Jan. 16 to 18 and Jan. 23 to 25. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30pm, and the matinee daytime shows are on Sunday at 2:30pm.
‘Seussical’
Saturday, Jan. 10 – Sunday, Jan. 25
Friday / Saturday: 7:30pm; Sunday: 2:30pm
Smith Center at Ohlone College
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
starstrucktheatre.org/pages/tickets
Tickets: $35 adult, $30 senior, $25 child
