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Seussical

TBS Proudly Presents Seussical the Musical

March 14, 2026 at 7:00 pm & March 15, 2026 at 2:00 pm

GET YOUR SATURDAY TICKETS HERE!
Get your sunday matinee tickets here

The show will be directed and choreographed by Vanessa Ressler, with musical direction from Alan Caves.  Though all ages are welcome to try out, this opportunity is for current Temple Beth Sholom Members, and, in the case of children, those who are able to reasonably focus during rehearsals.  

Starring YOU!
 

Please join us onstage or backstage for this fun, intergenerational show.  As Horton says “A person’s a person no matter how small!”

Listen to the sample songs from the show here

Summary

Now one of the most performed shows in America, Seussical TYA (Theater for Young Audiences) is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime) have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing 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 to 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.

Seussical TYA is fun for the whole family! Run time approximately 75 minutes.

Dr. Seuss character with colorful background.
Monster hand illustration, backstage sign-up invitation.

Character Breakdown

The Cat In The Hat
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 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 (Dr. Dake, helicopter reporter, TV interviewer, auctioneer, Mr. McGurkus, etc.) and is comfortable improvising with an audience.
Vocal range top: F4
Vocal range bottom: F2
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.’
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: Ab3
Gentle, rotund and appealing. Think of him as a big-hearted blue collar guy who is steadfast and 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 un-self-conscious. Horton’s view of the world never changes–he believes in its goodness. But by the end of the show, without even realizing it, he is ready to become a parent.
Vocal range top: F4
Vocal range bottom: A2
Very self-conscious and aware that her one-feather tail isn’t perfect. Gertrude changes during the show from a vain, 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 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’d be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can do for the egg.
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Self-centered, selfish and vain, Mayzie will never admit to her own flaws. She manipulates anyone she can (especially Horton) 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’d be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can do for the egg.
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: G3
She isn’t really sour at all. She’s just got a lot of attitude. She’s loud, brassy and a lot of fun.
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: F#3

These 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. Encourage each of your actors to find his own Wickersham persona.

They’re a lot like you and me only so small as to be invisible. Don’t think of them as cute midgets or weird little aliens. They should be played for inherent humanity. Encourage everyone playing a Who to try and create his or her own, unique character.

Each animal is a distinct human persona. They are real people at heart, just like us, even though they may be described as animal characters. We discourage masks and literal “animal costumes.” Be imaginative. Be Wild. Be simple.

They are like the popular girls in any school–a clique of pretty, self-centered “back up birds” who do whatever Mayzie does.

Mr. and Mrs. Mayor 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.
Vocal range top: E4
Vocal range bottom: D3
Mr. and Mrs. Mayor 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.
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: A3

Circus Performers, Whos, Jungle Citizens, Etc.