One of the best things about writing theatre reviews is that I get to see a far wider range of productions than I might otherwise get to. Equally, one of the best things about seeing a show I’m not reviewing is that I can just relax and enjoy it for what it is.
This goes doubly for amateur shows, which it would seem entirely unfair to hold to the same standards.
Very, very rarely, however, I see an amateur production where the quality is such that I can’t help but put pen to paper. This production of Seussical the Musical by Stage One 2000 Musical Youth Theatre is one such show.
As the title suggests, the musical is based on the works of Dr. Seuss – an excellent starting point, and an incredibly rich vein of inspiration to Composer Stephen Flaherty and Lyricist Lynn Ahrens, with input from Eric Idle (of Monty Python fame).
In the roles of familiar characters such as the Cat in the Hat, Horton the elephant, Thing One and Thing Two, the young cast take us on a whistle-stop tour of Seuss’s oeuvre, here under the wonderful direction of Brenda Davies, ably assisted by Musical Director Sian James (and many others).
There’s jeopardy, adventure, and jokes galore along the way. With a cast of around fifty, it’s amazing how flawlessly one scene flows into another; and, whilst some children have more major roles, every cast member contributes to what is an incredibly entertaining evening.
Jenny King’s costumes work perfectly, without overdoing things – the Cat in the Hat has no stuck-on whiskers or painted-on nose, for example, and Horton has no trunk, but it’s still perfectly clear who and what each character is.
Songs are delivered with heart and humour, and often delivered well enough to blur the line between amateur and professional theatre. Likewise the acting, and the musical accompaniment from the (grown-up) band.
If this production is representative of their work, it’s no surprise to see from the programme that the group have been nominated many times for National Operatic and Dramatic Association awards, winning several.
Apparently, rehearsals started last September. It shows.
Is the production perfect? Close enough.
More importantly, it’s perfectly magical.
