A host of beloved characters from the mind of Dr. Seuss will come to life on the Marathon Community Theatre stage this weekend as Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s “Seussical Junior” caps the playhouse’s annual children’s summer theater program.
Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat (Gabbi Doering) narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, played in a surprise performance by a longtime MCT veteran making his return to the main stage for the first time in five years. Horton discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos and must protect them from a world of naysayers and dangers while guarding an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird (Rylee Seligson). Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz (Isla Mann) never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.
With an exquisitely painted set that looks like it was pulled directly from the pages of Seuss’ books, directors Stephanie Zajac and Kara Pascucci said the 2023 production serves as an unveiling of talent for several of the program’s newer actors, as the cast this summer is significantly younger on average than in years past.
“It’s been great to see some of the younger kids shine in more major roles,” said Pascucci.
“When you break it down, these kids do a full musical production with 24 hours of practice,” added Zajac. “They take on this incredible responsibility of learning their parts, and we are always truly amazed by them.”
Although several of the show’s leads are under the age of 12, including Doering, Mann and Mia Williams (JoJo), they’ve shouldered the extra responsibility with ease.
“I’m kind of excited, because this is my first time getting a bigger role than what I usually have,” Doering told the Weekly. “My uncle is a music teacher, and he inspired me to do music. His first show he ever put on was actually ‘Seussical,’ so once I told him, he was very happy.”
Mann praised the work of Zajac, Pascucci and Doering in encouraging her for her four solo numbers, while Doering called the director duo “inspiring.”
“(Kara and Stephanie) both have really pretty voices, and they’re very, very helpful and sweet,” Mann said. “And (Gabbi) is just very positive and helpful.”
Stepping into a lead role after ensemble parts in 2022’s “Wizard of Oz,” Williams said she definitely enjoys “more time to shine” in her largest role so far, and that audiences should prepare for a fun-filled weekend as the cast members thoroughly enjoy themselves on stage. Noting an opening scene that sees the entire ensemble enter the stage from a playground slide, she also issued a playful warning for patrons.
“Get ready. Because at the end, I’m gonna scream.”
“Seussical Junior” runs this Friday and Saturday, July 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, July 23. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at marathontheater.org or by calling 305-743-0994.
Photos by: ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
