It’s hard not to be biased with this year’s musical. Being born March 2, Dr. Seuss’ birthday, I have a very special place in my heart for the whimsical man who taught us all how to read and to see everything and anything in color, no matter how small. And last weekend’s production of “Seussical the Musical” by the Western Illinois University Department of Theatre and Dance and SummerStage incorporated all the beautiful colors that are here and around the city.
Taking the stage at Hainline Theatre for three packed performances July 17-18, this vibrant production proved that when an extraordinary creative community unites, anything’s possible.
Director Meagan Morrow noted in their program director’s log that the journey to the stage was no walk in the park. Facing realworld hurdles from “rising waters and disappearing power,” the cast, crew and creative team met every bump in the road with pure imagination and unwavering resolve. The production was touchingly dedicated to the late William T. “Billy” Clow, former dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication and the beloved “Captain of SummerStage,” honoring a leader who always empowered young artists to lead, create and shine.
And shine they did. From the moment the curtain rose on Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s magical score, the theater was bursting with infectious energy.
Leading the charge as the mischievous master of ceremonies, Andrew Winder delivered a charismatic performance as The Cat in the Hat, effortlessly guiding young Jojo (played with wide-eyed wonder by Theodore Miguel) through a universe of endless “thinks.”
At the center of the story’s massive heart was Alexander Kluesner as Horton the Elephant. Kluesner brought immense warmth and sincerity to Horton’s sacred motto— “a person’s a person, no matter how small”— anchoring the emotional weight of the show during numbers like “Alone in the Universe.”
Opposite Horton, Scarlett Brooks was delightful as the loyal, single-feathered Gertrude McFuzz, while Alyssa Shockency brought all the flashy ego and diva energy required for Mayzie La Bird in “Amayzing Mayzie.” Azaria Foshay commanded the stage with powerhouse vocals as the Sour Kangaroo, backed brilliantly by the playfully troublemaking Wickersham Brothers (Kai Adkins-Covert, Lachlan Alveshere, and Andrew Markley) and the dazzling trio of Bird Girls (Delaney Bartlow, Lily Heitz, and Ada Mealiff).
The Mayor of Whoville and his wife, played by Andrew Kluesner and Talena Sprecher, anchored the delicate world on the dust speck with great comedic timing, while Tyler Lucas brought booming theatricality as General Genghis Khan Schmitz. Special cameos from Karsyn Dorethy (serving double duty as Yertle the Turtle and Vlad Vladikoff) and Samuel McGruder as The Grinch added extra layers of Seussian fun for long-time fans.
Under the musical direction of Ethan Ivey, the live 11-piece pit band kept the rhythm bouncing through a dizzying blend of Latin beats, big band jazz, and classic Broadway pop. Visually, the world felt like a storybook sprung to life, thanks to Steven P. House’s imaginative scenic design, Shelby Dupree’s colorful costumes and Josh Wroblewski’s vibrant lighting.
SummerStage’s production of “Seussical” was more than just a musical; it was a joyful celebration of community resilience and the timeless power of imagination. It served as a reminder that even when the waters rise or the power goes out, art finds a way to brighten up our world in full, glorious color.
Photos by Andrea Ratermann
