For close to a century, Dr. Seuss has inspired children and adults to live and love through his whimsical writing and vivid illustrations.
His near limitless imagination also inspired a Broadway musical — “Seussical” — which Centerstage Academy is bringing to the James-York Playhouse Friday through Sunday.
“He always did such a good job of taking so many life lessons that can take years to learn and embedding them in stories that you can relate to,” said performer Jack Harmon. “It’s really fun to see it performed as opposed to reading it.”
In the musical, Harmon plays Yertle the Turtle, one of the numerous classic Seuss characters featured. “Horton Hears a Who” forms the backbone of the story, as the titular elephant discovers the existence of minuscule JoJo the Who and the story spirals from there, with vignettes from other Seuss stories interwoven throughout.
The Cat in the Hat emcees the onstage happenings.
“I view it as a musical mashup extraordinaire,” said Cory Steiger, the show’s director. “I think everyone will find something familiar.”
The cast and crew were given three weeks to bring the full-length musical to the playhouse. Despite the time crunch, 20-year-old Steiger said the process has made for his most fun directorial effort yet.
“This show is very bright and colorful,” he said.
The set combines two- and three- dimensional imagery from a storybook aesthetic — like a child’s imagination unleashed into reality.
“It’s almost as if they took a page out of a book and placed it onstage,” Harmon said.
The music combines influences from Broadway, jazz, gospel and beyond, with suitably Seussian rhymes mixed in. Steiger said it embodies Seuss’ brand of imagination and mystery.
The choreography also incorporates varying styles, from ballet to jazz.
“Definitely, we’re focusing on keeping it fun,” said Kristin Zipprich, the show’s choreographer.
At the same time, Zipprich sees “Seussical” as a celebration of creativity in a world that often neglects it, which she’s embracing in her approach to directing the dancers.
“I have been focusing on giving them moves where they can add their own style,” she said.
The combination of acting, singing and dancing tests the mettle of the Centerstage performers, ranging from first graders through college graduates.
“I think ‘Seussical’ demands a triple threat from every performer. These kids really are talented,” Steiger said.
Steiger sees “Seussical” as an ode to different perspectives and the experiences that form them, quoting Seuss himself: “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”
“I think that’s something,” Steiger said. “Treat eachother with kindness. I think it’s a universal message.”
Want to go?
“Seussical: The Musical” runs 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the James-York Playhouse, 200 Hubbard Lane. Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for children 10 and younger, available at williamsburgplayers.org or by calling 229-0431.
