Ring in the summer with ‘Seussical’ at Riverwalk Theatre

The cast of Riverwalk Theatre’s production of “Seussical.” Photo by Ariniko Artistry

Riverwalk Theatre’s imaginative season finale, “Seussical,” is an immersive experience. A compendium of Dr. Seuss classics such as “Horton Hears a Who,” “Horton Hatches the Egg,” “Gertrude McFuzz,” “If I Ran the Circus,” “McElligot’s Pool,” “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think” and, of course, “The Cat in the Hat” are mashed up into a heartwarming love story that stresses self-acceptance and fighting for one’s beliefs.

Under the co-direction of Tom Ferris and Marcus Fields, Riverwalk’s production is fast paced and technically complicated, utilizing every bit of the Rotary Main Stage, the stairs, the catwalk and the wings. During the auction segment, in which Horton is captured by hunters and sold at auction (don’t worry parents, it isn’t scary or disturbing), audience members even participate in the pandemonium by shouting out auction bids to The Cat in the Hat (nimbly portrayed by

Taren Going).

The story is told through loosely strung-together narrative song that showcases the vast talents of both cast and crew. The production exemplifies ensemble theater at its best, but there are a couple of stand-out performances I want to call out here.

It’s hard to take your eyes off Going as The Cat in the Hat, the clever master of ceremonies and harbinger of mayhem who tap dances and conspiratorially invites the audience to break the fourth wall.

Kaitlyn Bess Riel (Sour Kangaroo) has gospel-singer-esque belting power, and surprisingly given her scene partner’s age, she is nearly matched by Charlie Curtis as the Young Kangaroo.

If the Kangaroos are dynamic, the birds are dazzling. Zoë Schultheiss, as the insecure Gertrude McFuzz, gives her role the earnestness and self-consciousness of a character bound for an arc by the end of the performance, and Xia Skowronek, as the deliciously manipulative Mayzie La Bird, channels jazz-age chanteuse magic.

And we can’t forget Horton, played by Brian Farnham. As the vulnerable yet steadfast elephant, Farnham brings a sense of wistfulness to the part and truly is the moral center of this colorful production.

Speaking of color, the imaginative costumes are never disappointing at Riverwalk. Kris Maier, Anna Maier, Laura Anderson, Ashley Hampton and Amanda Macomber have reimagined vibrant birds with glittering tail feathers, a shadowy vulture, spry monkeys, extravagant hats and an elephant in a gray velour tracksuit.

My only criticism of this performance has to do with the sound. The music was sometimes louder than the actors, and there were some mic glitches and

feedback. Small technical issues are not uncommon on opening nights, and I’m sure these snafus were smoothed out in subsequent performances. It’s easy to forgive this when you think of the number of well-orchestrated songs that are strung throughout the production.

With its fantastical songs and playful imagery, “Seussical” offers a chance to re-capture your childhood. You won’t be disappointed.