For its final show of the season and just before its big 75th anniversary, Midland Community Theatre ends the year on an exuberant note with “Seussical the Musical.”  Blending Dr. Seuss’ children’s stories and characters, the Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens musical is a kaleidoscope of song, dance and definitely color. Fortunately, director Tim Jebsen, costume designer Crystal Wilkerson-Diaz and set designer Edward Taylor used every color in the box.

“Seussical” is primarily song and dance, but at the heart of the show is a poignant and complex tale of the power of imagination that can maybe change other people’s minds. Initially, the audience meets JoJo (Nicholas Ramsey), who then introduces The Cat in the Hat (Maija Johnson). JoJo is an imaginative boy who is encouraged by Cat. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mayor (Daryl Berry and Adrienne Horn), would prefer to stifle him into a more well-behaved child.

As JoJo creates his imaginative story, Horton the Elephant (Matt Scott) hears a noise while being teased by Sour Kangaroo (Caroline Tapp). Throughout JoJo’s story, a plethora of familiar characters enter, such as the Grinch (Chris Carroll), General Schmitz (Victor Lopez) and Gertrude McFuzz (Jenica Maroney).

The entire cast was strong through each number – there were close to 30. Some minor opening-night flubs added some charm to various songs.

Ramsey carried his own quite well as JoJo against a large cast of adults. As the compassionate Horton, Scott’s underplay of the character was endearing, especially in contrast to the other livelier characters.   A distinct supporting character as the Sour Kangaroo, Tapp commanded the stage with a powerful, soulful voice. Johnson’s role as the Cat in the Hat was enjoyable given that the character steers the audience throughout the show. What looked to be an exhausting role, Johnson was consistent and as full of energy in the finale as she was in the opening.

While the ensemble was on point, the show really was an entire package. The costumes seemed to jump right out of a Dr. Seuss book, although I did miss the Cat’s iconic black fur. Taylor’s sets were equally constructed in homage to the peculiar world of Seuss with the right amount of kookiness. Caitlin Miles’ choreography was intricate and exciting and a perfect complement to the music and songs that kept the show flowing.

While certainly a fun ride, “Seussical the Musical” was also a colorful escape into not only the imagination of the JoJo character, but also the imagination of the show’s creators.


“Seussical the Musical,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Midland Community Theatre, 2000 W. Wadley Ave., The show runs through Dec. 21.