Dr. Seuss Musical Heralds the Holiday at Stockton Civic Theatre
If you need a prescription to improve your holiday spirits, put you in a merry mood, chase away seasonal blues or entertain children or grandchildren in your charge, allow me to recommend a doctor named Seuss.
Yes, that doctor.
True, the legendary children’s author never wrote a musical based on his work, but the gifted duo of composer Stephen Flaherty and lyricist Lynn Ahrens did. The result is “Seussical,” an inclusive blend of Seussian characters and plots set to a Broadway score of tuneful, toe-tapping music. There’s lighthearted razzle and dazzle here to captivate children of all ages and, yes, adults seeking to recapture the fun and frolic of childhood. And what better season than Christmas to do so?
Running through December 15, “Seussical” is no simple holiday skip across the stage. Multiple song and dance numbers. constantly shifting characters and a come-and-go parade of stage props could easily sap the energy of performers and tax the skills of stage managers responsible for setting, lighting, design and much more.
Fortunately, director Dennis Beasley, musical director Jonathan Latta, choreographers Kurt Nielsen and Chelsea Hill, and a small army of other contributors are up to the challenge. The lively go-go can sometimes leave you wondering what is happening (after all, this is Seussland, where anything goes), but more often earns audience applause for its song-and-dance appeal.
Jesse Garcia renders a stylishly suave Cat in the Hat as he hosts and guides us in and out of scenes with a child named Jojo (Brooklyn Richards) as his wide-eyed guest. The Cat’s occasional mischief includes stealing the baton of band leader Latta to open the second act as if to remind us (as if we needed reminding) just who is running the show.
As you take your SCT theatre seat, you can’t help but notice the symbol prominently displayed above center stage. It’s the crafty feline’s distinctive red and white hat and a hint of things to come. It can make you as curious as Jojo about its presence. No plot spoiler here, but as you will soon discover, the hat is something more than mere decoration.
Given the number of those waiting to greet you in Seussland (there are 27 cast members, some playing multiple roles), you may need a scorecard to keep track as the different characters collide and cavort. Leading the way are Horton (whom I seem to remember from childhood reading days as an ethical elephant) and the ladies in his life—playgirl Mayzie LaBird (Isela Martinez) and attention-craving Gertrude McFuzz (a role in which Sierra Fraser goes to town)—as well as amusing minor figures like “General” Schmitz (Rick Brewer), the overbearing military instructor who may remind some members of the audience of their military training days.
The classic Seuss character of The Grinch (Antonio Munoz) makes an appearance because you simply can’t do Seuss (or Christmas) without a Grinch. And although you won’t find “Green Eggs and Ham” at the theatre lobby concessions booth, you’ll hear it paid musical tribute.
As a defender of being true to yourself and benevolent to others, Horton is clearly the hero of the action, so much so that Ms. McFuzz’s attraction to him provides a love story for those drawn to the thrill of romance. Virtues such as the power of imagination are celebrated in songs like “Oh, The Thinks You Can Think!” And the comedic element here reminds me of the words of Dr. Seuss himself: “From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.”
If you find yourself craving refreshment after act one’s tour of Seussland, the concessions booth offers snacks and beverages including the humor-infused specialties of a Horton PB & J cocktail (peanut butter whiskey, razzmatazz raspberry, liqueur, and cranberry juice, topped with circus peanuts) and a McElligott’s Pool mocktail consisting of berry blue lagoon punch, Sprite and lemonade, topped with Swedish fish.
What’s Swedish fish doing in a mocktail, you ask? Good question. Although I once traveled up the east coast of Sweden to reach Stockholm and nibble a bit of native sea food, I couldn’t identify the Swedish tidbit in my mocktail. Could it be a Seuss-inspired teaser? Something one expects to find floating in a berry blue lagoon?
Witty and whimsical, “Seussical” is a delightful end to this year’s SCT offerings. Looking ahead, you may be wondering what’s in store for 2025. The enticements begin early in the new year with “Murder on the Orient Express” (opens January 16), an Agatha Christie classic with a seemingly insoluble mystery and mastermind Hercule Poirot on hand as the detective eminently capable of solving it and “Clever Little Lies,” a comedy of family secrets that will not stay hidden (opens February 21 at SCT’S intimate Pam Kitto Black Box Theatre, the showplace of interactive theatre.
As this is my final theatre review of the year, allow me to wish you a same-day Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, Feliz Navidad y Dias Acogedores, and all the glad tidings and season’s greetings that make December less than dreary.
And if you’re wondering how my friends in Sweden would respond to the mystery of the Seuss-inspired mocktail, my guess is “Vad fisk?” (What fish?”)
Seussical
Where: Stockton Civic Theatre, 2312 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton, CA
When: Thursday – Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $35. Seniors: $30. Students: $20
Box Office: (209) 473-2424
Business Office: (209) 473-2400
A retired reporter and editor, Stockton resident Howard Lachtman has written Delta-centered detective stories, Stockton Civic Theatre reviews and a variety of baseball tales for Soundings. In 2006. he was honored by the Stockton Arts Commission for “24 years of superior review and commentary on the performing and literary arts in Stockton.” He was recently surprised to learn that San Francisco’s Lowell High School has ranked him among its notable twentieth century alumni for his achievements as an American literary critic. Howard’s reaction to the news: “Now maybe I can get a date to the prom.”
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The show seemed so full of color and fun! It is cool to see the weird mind of Dr. Seuss come to life on stage, he never fails to make dreams come alive. I wish I could have attended the play and eaten Swedish fish with you.
Reminds me of the old days reading Dr Seuss to my first grade students. I think I had some copies from my own childhood. Loved the lead who played Seuss. What a fun show full of lively dance numbers and songs with witty play on words. Can’t wait til “Murder on the Orient Express” coming up next!