I know I shouldn’t look good press in the mouth, but this is one of the blandest positive reviews I think I have ever read.
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Theater review: – ‘Seussical’ a delight
Frothy fun at HART with eye-popping color
JIM CAVENER – TAKE5 CORRESPONDENT – PUBLISHED APRIL 30, 2010 12:15 AM
WAYNESVILLE – With a cast of 30, and captivating young actors on stage, “Seussical” is a busy show, with lots of action – to the delight of kids.
The Broadway musical team of Lynne Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty concocted this musical from the works of Dr. Seuss, pleasing for its energy, color and melody. With the imagination of the cast and crew of the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, led by director Charles Mills, the company has built a commendable production of trivia and froth.
The costumes and Technicolor backdrops are bold, with in-your-face color. The high-definition color of the jungle is wondrously bright and uplifting. Costumes are by Johanna Lewis, Kathy Garris, Christine Martin and Kelly Hunt, and are dazzling.
Dance numbers were designed by Ricky Sanford, Trevor Perry and Ben Sears, who is a standout as a Wickersham Brother, one of Seuss’ monkey characters.
Other stellar turns: Trevor Perry as Horton the Elephant, Strother Stingley as The Cat in the Hat, and Jacob Hunt as JoJo. Shanda Jacobs as Mayzie La Bird and Clara Burrus as Gertrude McFuzz are notable.
Chuck Taft leads a pit band in a range of tunes. Enough tension is woven in to allow for resolution and a feel-good departure after two raucous hours.
“Seussical” is running at 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through May 9 at the Performing Arts Center, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. Tickets are $22, $20 seniors, $10 students. Call 456-6322 or visit www.harttheatre.com.
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