| Con Anderson as General Schmitz on stage with the Schmitz’s. |
“I can see that you’ve got quite a mind for you age,
why, one Think and you dragged me right onto the stage,
now, I’m here, there is no telling what may ensue,
with a cat such as me, and a Thinker like you.”
So says the mischievous Cat in the Hat (Jonathan Fauver) at the onset of this fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza. Lynn Abrens and Stephen Flaherty have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant (Jacob Barnett), Gertrude McFuzz (Trisha Erickson), Lazy Mayzie (McKette Allred), Sour Kangaroo (Tanie Worthen), General Schmitz (Con Anderson), and all of the Whos of Whoville.
These classic, colorful tales are seamlessly brought together by Jojo (Jordan Sitterud), a young boy and “thinker of strange and wonderful thinks.” As each story unfolds you will marvel at how relevant and profound Seuss’s subtle themes are, making this musical one that appeals to all ages.
The musical is ably directed by Ann Murdoch and Gina Sitterud, and will be presented at the Emery High School auditorium Feb. 9-11 and 13 at 7 p.m. There will also be a Saturday matinee on Feb. 11 at 1 p.m. Children of all ages will enjoy this special addition to the regular performances. All tickets are $5.
The score emerges as a Seussian gumbo of musical styles, ranging from Latin to pop, swing to gospel and R&B to funk. So let your toes tap, your fingers snap, and your imagination run wild, for:
“If you open your mind.
oh the Thinks you will find
lining up to get loose,
oh, the Thinks you can think,
when you think about Seuss.”