'SEUSSICAL [THE MUSICAL]" Play is a feast for the senses

The show features a wide variety of music and a talented cast.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- Prepare for a blast of energy if you enter Ford Theater on the campus of Youngstown State University this weekend. "Seussical [The Musical]" is playing, and if you think you know what to expect, you're probably wrong.
Unless you have already seen the show, you will be filled with constant amazement and surprise. It is a little bit of everything: funny, profound, corny, sweet, fascinating, often touching and very exciting. The students and their faculty helpers went way above the top on this one, and have created a production that you've just got to love!
The music is absolutely wonderful, and in so many different styles: all types of rock, pop, "show tunes," including some that take you back to the early 1900s. There are hints of African rhythms and Flamenco, and some just plain beautiful contemporary songs. The costumes are a riot, the set is awesome -- especially the background with the clouds -- and the fish scene. There are also cool lighting and special effects. And, as seniors Richard Bell and Gary Shackleford pointed out, much of it was designed and built by students.
But the real stars, of course were the ones onstage, a wild mishmash of personalities, in an outstanding performance by the talented cast.
Standouts
Nathan Beagle was the Cat (in the Hat) and a troublemaker, at that. He always seemed to get his nose into everybody's business. Just watching Beagle sing and dance across stage was a delight, filled with humor and amazing catlike movements.
Ryan Ruth excelled in his role as Horton, the sweet, lovable elephant. He represented the morals of the play. "Do what is right, always keep your word, respect every living thing."
Gertrude McFuzz, a little bird with a childlike voice, is in love with Horton, and we see her transform and grow up throughout the play in her quest to get Horton's attention. This charming, and sometimes obnoxious, little character was magnificently portrayed by Nicole Dionisio.
Mayzie, on the other hand, is a bit of a sleaze, as birds go. Stephanie Ottey perfectly captured the personality of this low-moral, self-centered, jewel-bedecked tramp, who got mixed up with the wrong guy and found herself setting on an unwanted egg.
Cristina Cala was the baby tucked in the pouch of the huge, pink Sour Kangaroo. With a voice that could break glass, this loud and nasty character made fun of Horton and wasn't nice to others. This was one of the most intriguing costumes in the whole play, and Cala did an awesome job moving it around.
JoJo, a little Who boy, was a thinker, and that got him into trouble. He was sent off to the military, with the other misfits, who were accused of various crimes, such as having an opinion, humming in the shower and coloring outside the lines. JoJo, like Horton, is sweet and lovable, and wants to do what is right. In the end, he does. Roberta Beekman was perfect in this role.
This musical is a feast for the senses and is filled with wonderful messages. Some may think it's for kids, but it is the adults who will understand the profound. Highly recommended, but get your tickets fast, because some of the performances are nearly sold out.
X"Seussical [The Musical]" runs weekends through March 5, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Call (330) 941-3105 for tickets.