by Ceci LeBeau
10/16/2015

Seussical at Prana Productions Oct. 22, 23, 24

Once upon a time, Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, wrote two books about a lovable elephant. One was "Horton Hatches an Egg," and the other was "Horton Hears a Who." After Dr. Seuss passed away, the highly successful team of Flaherty and Ahrens put together a musical fusing of these two stories, and this delightful musical will be on display here in Holliston soon at the Adams Middle School.

Imagine a play all in rhyme, as were all of Dr. Seuss's much loved books. In my time in elementary school, the whimsical world of "The Cat in the Hat"and "Green Eggs and Ham" delivered a welcome karate chop to the weary little world of Dick, Jane and Sally. In this production, seventy local children joyfully sing inventive lyrics like "Oh, the Thinks You Can Think" with great panache. Deep in the jungle of Noor, Horton the elephant, ably played by Laura Ogilvie, discovers a world of tiny people on a speck of dust. These are the Whos, just as in "Grinch Who Stole Christmas," only microscopic. Jojo, charmingly acted by Allison Hurd, is a little boy who's in trouble with his parents for too many original and creative "thinks." Once Horton can hear them, he fiercely decides to protect the Whos, because "a person's a person, no matter how small." Sneered at by the Sour Kangaroo, a wry Nicole Mulready, and the rambunctious but mean monkeys, the Wickersham Brothers, Horton sings of being all alone in the universe, and is joined in a lovely, plaintive duet by Jojo, who also feels misunderstood.

Enter Gertrude, a sweet girl bird in a teal blue dress, well portrayed by Kathleen Mulready. If only she had a better tail, or didn't have such a squeak for a voice! She is overshadowed by Mayzie, the red hot mama, who has all the moves but has no sense of responsibility. Katie North gives the character of Mayzie just the right amount of flightiness. Mayzie can't wait to leave her egg behind and go have fun. She cons the ever patient Horton into sitting on her egg for just "an afternoon," then wings off, instantly forgetting them both.

Poor Horton is dragged off to sea, exhibited in a circus, and even put on trial for his crimes of loyalty and devotion. Even the kindly bird girl singers, in their sparkly flappers dresses, and the bird girl dancers, with their bright red headdresses, can't save Horton from his fate. Yertle the Turtle, another well known Dr. Seuss character, as played by Natalie Alford, makes an appearance as the judge. But once the Who Mayor, Bradley McGuire, and his wife, Olivia Daily, convince all the Whos to really make themselves heard, they save the day. The Cat in the Hat, well carried by Kate Davignon, who has been ever present, leads the good news in song.

Allison Hurd as Jo Jo, and Lauran Ogilvie as Horton the Elephant

This fanciful story will bring a touch of nostalgia to any baby boomer. Who doesn't remember Horton's words:

I meant what I said, and I said what I meant

An elephant's faithful, one hundred percent.

Don't miss this gem on Oct. 22,23 and 24 at the Middle School, put on by the ever dazzling Prana Productions team.