“Seussical The Musical” takes you on magical ride through the world of make-believe.
Based on the works of Dr. Seuss, this wonderful display of singing, dancing and acting touches the hearts of human beings from seven to 70.
Seussical, presented by 3-D Theatricals, is directed by David Engel with musical direction by Allen Everman. T. J. Dawson is 3DT’s Executive producer and artistic director. Gretchen Dawson and Daniel Dawson are producers, and Jeanette Dawson is a co-producer.
The Seussical stars Cathy Rigby, the former Olympic gymnastics champion, as the Cat in the Hat.
After her gymnastics career, Rigby worked for ABC Sports for 18 years before turning tothe performing arts.
Armed with seven years of theatrical training, Rigby has become one of the most dynamic theatre performers in America. Her singing, dancing, acrobatic moves and crowd interaction in Seussical is simply marvelous.
Matthew Downs stars as Horton, the big hearted Elephant. This role seems tailored for Downs, who is new to the theatre.
“Seussical is very close to me because my son really liked Dr. Seuss,” an emotional Downs said after last Sunday’s performance at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.
“We lost our son Sam in 2008 to a rare genetic disorder.
“When I saw this audition, it spoke to me. Luckily I got the part.
Downs said that “all of Sam’s birthday parties had Dr. Seuss themes like green eggs and ham.”
The actor was a police officer in Texas when he decided to change careers after the death of his son.
“Seussical parallels my life in so many ways,” Downs said.
“I did not want to spend another day not doing something that was not special to me.
“I wanted to live every moment in my son’s name.
“The only way to do that was to follow my dreams. It’s been magical ever since I decided to take this route.”
Melanie Mockobey is Downs’s co-star in Seussical. She plays Gertrude McFzz, a small, shy bird in love with Horton.
Mockobey started her professional career when she was five years old, meaning she brings long experience to the stage.
“I really did not expect Seussical to be as emotionally impacting as it is,” she said.
“This has really been a great experience for me – to leave the theatre knowing that I have made so many people happy, and that I have made myself happy.
“That is why I do this.”
Other main players are Victoria Matlock as Mayzie LaBird, Grant Westcott as the eight-year-old JoJo, James Campbell as Mr. Mayor, Tracy Rowe Mutz as Mrs. Mayor, Amber J. Snead as the Sour Kangaroo and Gregory North as Gen. Genghis Khan Schmitz.
Details
Four more performanceswill be staged at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, starting Friday at 8, followed by two Saurday shows at 2 and 8, and the finale will be Sunday at 2.
You don’t want to miss the Seussical The Musical. It will make you think and believe for a long time.
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com