Millennial Notes

Ahrens/Flaherty’s Magical Musical Uses FUN to Banish Bullies

by Isa S. Chu

In a time that calls for big thinking, “Seussical” reminds us that art doesn’t just lift us up, it encourages us to reflect, reset, and even reimagine our world. Under the astute direction of William Thomas Hodgson, we learn how to deal with bullies one joyful song at a time.

At Berkeley Playhouse, asymmetrical, overlapping arches transport us into a multi-dimensional fantasyland. Floating hats and glowing clovers create a visual playground right out of Dr. Seuss’s books.

The mischievous Cat in the Hat (Stephen Kanaski) serves as our troublemaking guide to Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s “Seussical.” He serves as the bridge from our mundane life into Dr. Seuss’s colorful, creative world. The Cat in the Hat offers his sarcastic commentary on all the action—providing entertaining segues between scenes.

We follow Horton the Elephant (Christian Arteaga) as he strives to protect a speck of dust, really the Whos’ tiny world. He befriends Jojo (Keenan Moran), a Who with really “big thinks,” who turns bath time into an underwater adventure. As Horton, Arteaga embodies a gentle sincerity. His dimples and warm expressions convey innocence and hopefulness as he strives to be helpful.

Gertrude McFuzz (No’Eau Kahalekulu), Horton’s loyal friend and maybe girlfriend, is a bird with a simple one-feathered tail, who keeps trying to get Horton’s attention. Kahalekulu charms with her vulnerable, self-consciousness. She embodies our desire to change, only to find out later it’s our differences that make us unique and strong.

On his journey, Horton faces the doubting Sour Kangaroo (Solona Husband) who questions his dreams. And carefree Mayzie LaBird (Andrea Rae) sidetracks him, taking advantage of his kindness. As Mayzie, Rae’s voice lands like a splash of cool water and Liza Minnelli elegance. She balances humor with poise, a true standout.

Along the way, vibrant characters in rainbow-colored costumes sing lyrics with surprising themes: “A person’s a person no matter how small” speaks to acceptance and inclusion. “Oh, the thinks you can think” reminds us of the power of imagination and resilience

In the song “The Military,” Whoville cadets gear up to battle the “Butter Side Downers.” The Dr. Suess dreamworld exposes how trivial debates can grow into to monumental conflicts—if we let them.

The brilliant pairing of Ash Hurtado as the quirky, pint-sized Mayor of Whoville with Marisa Cozart as his tall, anxious Mrs. Mayor adds delightful layers of physical comedy.

Berkeley Playhouse’s Youth Ensemble infuses the show with high energy. The citizens of Whoville and the animals in the Jungle of Nool dazzle with dance. Director Hodgson’s swift pacing and Leslie Waggoner’s lively choreography keep the cast of 34 moving in harmony.

“Seussical” offers a welcome escape to a world where conflicts, however absurd, are resolved with warmth and humor. Hodgson’s musical reminds us that theater can help us face grief, disappointment, and well, whatever oppression we have to face tomorrow. Berkeley Playhouse offers a wonderful LIFT for our spirits.

“Seussical” –book, music, & lyrics by Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty, based on the works of Dr. Seuss, directed by William Thomas Hodgson, choreographed by Leslie Waggoner, vocal direction by Erika Oba, conducted by Kenji Harada, scenic design by Jenna Forder, costumes by Lisa Claybaugh, lighting by Bo Tindell, sound by Joshua Price, & props by Emily Summers, at Berkeley Playhouse, 2023 College Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704.

Info: berkeleyplayhouse.org – to December 22, 2024.

Cast: Stephen Kanaski, Christian Arteaga, No’Eau Kahalekulu, Andrea Rae, Solona Husband, Alicia “Ash” Hurtado, Marisa Cozart, Danny Cozart, Daniel Barash, Brielle Deshee, Sidney McNulty, Genie Tjahjadi, Nico Jaochico, Adam Mendez Jr., Sydney Jacobs Allen, and Lou Cooper.

Youth “Vipper” Cast: Keenan Moran, Junia Martens, Astro Camacho, Eliza Dillon, Justice Brown, Nathan Bennett-Crump, Lev Jacobs, Emery Cozart, and Kaylee Lopez.

Youth “Sollew” Cast: Colette Goodman, Tessa Shaffer, Ella Zabarsky, Nevo Naftalin-Kelman, Sam Canny, Austin Engwerda, Danica Ding, Diego Osorio, and Gavin Schlesinger.

Banner photo: “Seussical” ensemble. Photos Ben Krantz Studio