A Whimsical Wonder: Seussical Jr
Walking into the Peoples Theatre for their revival of Seussical Jr, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Would this musical adaptation truly capture the singular magic of Dr. Seuss that has captivated children (and adults) for over 60 years? The answer, I'm delighted to report, is a resounding yes.
From the moment the lights dimmed and the first notes played, I was transported into a fever dream of color, rhythm, and imagination. Director Jill Girard has created something special here—a production that honors the whimsy and wisdom of Seuss while bringing fresh energy to the stage.
The ensemble cast attacks each scene with incredible energy. Grant Towers shines as Horton the Elephant, perfectly embodying the character's gentle determination and delivering the show's most poignant message: "A person's a person, no matter how small." It's impossible not to be moved by this simple yet profound statement, especially as delivered with such sincerity. And Katlego Nche's Cat in the Hat serves as our mischievous guide through this fantastical world, maintaining the perfect balance of chaos and charm. The supporting cast includes Noluthando Mathebula, Madelein Pienaar, Raymond Skinner, and Amelia Stephens - who all deliver performances that are equally impressive.
What struck me most was how the production embraces the weird, loud, and unapologetically bizarre nature of Seuss's work. The staging is beautiful, with clever use of cloth filters that transition us between reality and the dream world. The vibrant costumes designed by Luciano Zuppa explode with color, perfectly capturing the illustrations that generations have grown up with.
Dr. Seuss's famous rhymes take on new life in this musical adaptation, bringing a natural rhythm to the dialogue that feels both familiar and fresh. The musical direction by Coenraad Rall emphasizes this quality, making the songs feel like natural extensions of Seuss's linguistic playfulness.
Perhaps most impressive is how the production champions imagination and creative thinking. In an age of screens and digital distractions, there's something magical about watching children in the audience light up as they see these beloved characters spring to life before their eyes.
The set design by Grant Knottenbelt deserves special mention — it manages to be both fantastical and functional, allowing the performers to navigate through multiple worlds while maintaining the distinct visual style that makes Dr. Seuss instantly recognizable.
As I left the theatre, surrounded by excited chatter from children and adults alike, I couldn't help but reflect on what makes this production special. It's not just nostalgia, though that certainly plays a part. Rather, it's seeing a new generation connect with these timeless stories, carried along by performances that leave heart and soul on the stage.
Seussical Jr runs at Peoples Theatre until April 21st, 2025. At R175 per person (or R140 for Kids Club members), it's a worthwhile investment in imagination.
As the Cat in the Hat might say, "It's fun to have fun, but you have to know how"—and the Peoples Theatre certainly knows how.