Taking Dr. Suess from the page to the stage

Nayland College is bringing a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza to the Theatre Royal this week.

With a live orchestra and plenty of fun, ‘Seussical’ is sure to delight Dr. Suess fans young and old.

Everyone’s favourite characters will be making an appearance, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and Jojo - a little girl with a big imagination.

Director and head of arts at the college, Ross Gerritsen, says there are about 50 students in the cast and 100 people involved with the production in total.

“We’ve got a really talented and strong group of year 13 students with lots of experience, but it gives all students a chance to perform,” he says.

“It has had a positive impact on them - working together collaboratively to get a full-scale music happening is great for the students.”

Ross says the show, which runs for 75 minutes in one act, is for “everyone”.

“It has all the characters everybody knows, great music, and it’s lots of fun.”

It tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many ‘thinks’.

Horton faces a double challenge, not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.

Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

Molly Clarke, who plays The Cat in the Hat, says it has been a memorable experience.

“We’re all good mates, so we’re having lots of fun.”

‘Seussical’ is on at the Theatre Royal from 11 - 13 May with one matinee performance this Saturday where both children and adults are invited to dress up as their favourite character and come on stage for a photo with the cast.

For tickets, go to www.theatreroyal.co.nz