(Posted April 26, 2017)
Madison County Arts Council will hold auditions for its summer musical production, “SEUSSICAL,” at 10 a.m. May 6 and 1 p.m. May 7 at Brennan Loft, 158 S. Main St., London. Callbacks, if necessary, will be at 5 p.m. May 7. Jason Hanrahan will direct the production, and Brynne Adkins will choreograph.
Rehearsals are typically held on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings, but other rehearsal times may be scheduled. All cast members are required to be at all tech rehearsals, beginning July 16 and through the closing performance. Performances will be July 21 at 7:30 p.m. and July 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The production is looking for singing actors of all ages, including children age 8 and older. No appointment is necessary to audition. Bring a musical selection (16-32 measures in length) with the sheet music; an accompanist will be provided or you may bring your own accompanist. Singing to accompaniment CDs is not permitted. Dress comfortably for a possible movement audition—no flip-flops. Those interested need only come to one audition date, but should reserve the callback date. Contact Jason Hanrahan at hanrahan.jason@gmail.com with questions.
In the musical, The Cat in the Hat 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.
Characters in “SEUSSICAL” are as follows. The listed age ranges are approximate; roles will likely be cast with differences from those listed here.
- The Cat In The Hat—The story’s omniscient narrator, he is fun-loving and enjoys rhyming. Pops up throughout the story to help the audience. Wise and attentive. Gender: Both. Age: N/A.
- Jojo—The mayor’s son, he is a Who that is always finding trouble. Bright, creative, and inadvertently mischievous. Possesses a wildly expansive imagination and finds solace in his friendship with Horton. Gender: Both. Age: 8-12.
- Horton The Elephant—The story’s main character, he is a compassionate and gentle elephant. Commonly misunderstood because of his larger size. He is protective and loving of all creatures in the jungle. Gender: Male. Age: 20-40.
- Gertrude Mcfuzz—Horton’s one-feathered-tail bird neighbor. Gertrude is sweet and timid. Though kind and loyal, she is also self-conscious of her shortfalls. Gender: Female. Age: 20-30.
- Mayzie Labird—The most beautiful bird in all of the jungle. Oblivious to her self-centered ways, she relies on her talent of manipulation, and intoxicating beauty, to navigate her way through life. Gender: Female. Age: 20-40.
- The Sour Kangaroo—The ‘leader’ of the jungle, she is loud, brassy, and stubbornly set in her ways. A caring mother, but unabashedly sassy and soulful. Gender: Female. Age: 25-40.
- Ensemble—Jungle creatures (the Wickersham Brothers, Yurtle The Turtle, Bird Girls); The Whos (Mr. Mayor, Mrs. Mayor, General Gengus Khan Schmitz).
