Seussical the Musical Materials

The show--there are lots of versions on You Tube, but this is the one we did in 2013.

Z Center Stage 2013

A musical perfect for the whole family, Seussical takes us into the world of Dr. Seuss, where we revisit beloved characters including The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, and JoJo. The Cat in the Hat guides us into The Jungle of Nool where we see Horton, the kind-hearted elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whoville. He meets JoJo, a Who child sent to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton decides he must protect the speck of dust on a nearby clover, while at the same time protecting an abandoned egg left to his care by the lazy Mayzie la Bird. Horton tries to convince the other animals in The Jungle of the existence of the Whos, but he is ridiculed and put on trial for insanity. Only his loyal neighbor, Gertrude McFuzz, never loses faith in him. Eventually, the two fall in love. Now one of the most widely produced musicals in the country, Seussical weaves a story of friendship, loyalty, and love. Despite all odds, Horton and Gertrude band together to save the Whos, free Horton, and restore peace and unity to the Jungle of Nool. Charming Seussical teaches us the power of being unique, and the importance of fighting for your beliefs.

Practice Materials--Listening

The Music: The Original Broadway Cast

LISTENING TRACKS

ENTIRE PLAYLIST FOR WHOLE SHOW: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l_6Zkpm6vQDC5u9QdbTRuTfwxSgR1I88o&si=ncY5FdI2R_QD5j2N

IT'S POSSIBLE (ALL AUDITIONEES)

ALONE IN THE UNIVERSE

HERE ON WHO

Monkeying Around (The Wickersham Bros.)

OH THE THINKS YOU CAN THINK

SOLLA SOLLEW

THE MILITARY

BIGGEST BLAME FOOL

AMAYZING MAYSIE

ONE FEATHER TAIL

BIRD GIRLS (trio of sop/alto) we are looking for--not in audition packet but an example of what they do (with Horton solo, too!)

Characters

For more information, see Stage Agent website: Seussical (Musical) Characters | StageAgent

NOTE: The ROLE GENDER is determined by the playwrights, and by licensing contract, characters cannot have their gender switched from the originally written script unless specified.

THE RANGES IN PARENTHESIS denote the range the actor needs to have to play this role.

THE CAT IN THE HAT

The Cat In The Hat is the essence of mischief, fun, and imagination. The Cat stirs things up, causes trouble, but always sets things right again, helping Jojo to discover the power of his own imagination as they create the story for the show together. Look for a physically adept actor (male or female) to play The Cat, one who will be able to play many comic cameos and is comfortable improvising with an audience. The Cat does not need to be your strongest singer, but should still have good rhythm and timing. Lead and soloist.

Role Gender: Specified in script as male or female (Tenor/Alto)

Vocal range top: D6

Vocal range bottom: Bb4

JOJO

Jojo is a "Thinker", a smart child with a wild imagination. He can be played as being a little bit awkward, a little bit of a loner, or simply a rambunctious kid whose Thinks get him into constant trouble. By the end of the show, he learns what it means to be a responsible member of his world, using the power and possibilities of his own Thinks. He should be one of your stronger singers. Lead and soloist--strong actor.

Role Gender: Male (can be played by a female playing a male kid, too) (Tenor/Alto)

Vocal range top: D6

Vocal range bottom: Ab4

HORTON THE ELEPHANT

Horton The Elephant is a gentle giant. Think of him as a big-hearted blue-collar guy who is steadfast, responsible and always tries to do the right thing for his friends. He is imaginative and receptive to the world around him. He is very unselfconscious. Horton's view of the world never changes - he believes in its goodness. By the end of the show, without even realizing it, he is ready to become a parent. Lead--strong singer and actor.

Role Gender: Male (Tenor/Baritone)

Vocal range top: E6

Vocal range bottom: A4

GERTRUDE MCFUZZ

Gertrude Mcfuzz is very self-conscious and aware that her one-feather tail isn't perfect. Gertrude changes during the show from a neurotic, nervous and shy bird into one with the power to protect and care for a baby elephant bird and commit herself to Horton. In other words, she stops worrying about her looks and grows up. Lead--needs comic timing and character.

Role Gender: Female (Soprano/Alto)

Vocal range top: Eb5

Vocal range bottom: F3

MAYZIE LA BIRD

Mayzie La Bird is self-centered, selfish, and vain. Mayzie will never admit to her own flaws. She manipulates anyone she can into doing what she wants. But Mayzie isn't all bad. In giving up her egg to Horton once and for all, she has a moment of generosity-she realizes she isn't the kind of person who would be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can for the egg. Soloist lead.

Role Gender: Female (alto/soprano)

Vocal range top: E5

Vocal range bottom: G#3

SOUR KANGAROO

Sour Kangaroo isn't really sour at all. She's just got a lot of attitude. She's loud, brassy, and a lot of fun. Big belter lead

Role Gender: Female (Alto range)

Vocal range top: Eb5

Vocal range bottom: A3

THE WICKERSHAM BROTHERS

The Wickersham Brothers are not bad guys! They're simply a lot like kids who tease, play pranks, and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at others' expense. They enjoy hanging around with one another, making music together on the street corner, and playing off one another--monkeying around you would say! Usually a trio of singers--should be able to harmonize.

Role Gender: Male (Bass +Tenor range needed)

Vocal range top: G6

Vocal range bottom: A4

THE WHOS

The Whos are a lot like you and me, only so small as to be invisible. Don't think of them as weird little aliens. They should be played for their inherent humanity. Encourage everyone playing a Who to try and create his or her own unique character. This works as a small ensemble vs. the Jungle of Nool characters. Strong timing and character needed.

Role Gender: Both

Vocal range top: D#5

Vocal range bottom: G3

MR. MAYOR

Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are Whos who are parents trying hard to raise a difficult child in a difficult world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love him dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake. Secondary lead--soloist and duets with Mrs. Mayor.

Role Gender: Male (Tenor/Bass)

Vocal range top: A6

Vocal range bottom: C5

MRS. MAYOR

Gender: Female (Soprano/Alto)

Vocal range top: D5

Vocal range bottom: A3

JUNGLE of NOOL CREATURES

The Jungle Creatures are real people at heart, just like us, even though they may be described as animal characters. They inhabit the Jungle of Nool where Horton lives and are played as a small ensemble vs. the Who small ensemble. You get to develop your own personality/character.

Role Gender: Both

Vocal range top: Db5

Vocal range bottom: A3

THE GRINCH

One of three great smaller character roles that can be played by some of your featured chorus members. (one solo--must be Grinchy)

Role Gender: Male (could be played by Sop/Alto/Tenor/Bass)

YERTLE THE TURTLE

One of three great smaller character roles that can be played by some of your featured chorus members. (one solo)

Role Gender: Male (original music features LOW bass solo)

VLAD VLADICOFF

One of three great smaller character roles that can be played by some of your featured chorus members. (one acting section with a bit of a solo)

Role Gender: MALE (could be played by Sop/Alto/Tenor/Bass)