Since “A Person’s A Person No Matter How Small” has been echoing in my mind all day, I think perhaps it was meant for me to do a review of the musical that planted that song in my thoughts last night!  For the past 5 years (since our middle two kids have been in college) many of Cheryl & I’s “family day” outings have been to productions at Theatre Louisiana College.  But that is not a bad thing.  We have enjoyed many of their performances, including “Yentl”, “Much Ado About Nothing”, and “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”.  We have never walked away unhappy from one of those evenings at LC, and this was no exception.

“Seussical the Musical” is not a genre that I would call “my cup of tea”; my personal taste runs more in the classical vein, but this was a very delightful performance – and one that was unique in our Theatre Louisiana College experiences. First of all, upon entering, the very colorful, ornate set made quite a statement.  It, along with the pre-show music, sent the message that something out of the ordinary was coming.  And boy was it!  This was not your 6-8 person mini-theatre cast; there were dozens and dozens of performers: all dressed up in colorful costumes that came right out of the imagination of Dr. Seuss himself.  “Seussical” was zany and involved.  It was going to require a certain energy and a personal commitment from each character to “believe” in who they were in this fantasyland – and I must give the cast of Seussical an “A” on that score!  They pulled it off!  But it was going to take more than just a decent group effort; there were some individual performances that were necessary to make “Seussical” go – and they did:

Essential to the production was “The Cat in the Hat.”  This guy ran the show, and he had to have it all to be able to do it well.  Joseph Cole was the man for the job!  He could sing, act, dance – he had all the smooth moves he needed—along with the ability to convey that certain orneriness that “The Cat” is imbued with.  I could not imagine a better “Cat” – “hat’s off!” to you Joseph!

We have enjoyed Professor Tabitha Huffman’s leadership of the performances of Theatre LC for the past several years, but this is the first time, to my knowledge, that I have seen her on the other side of the director’s chair, as she took to the stage in the part of Jojo.  For her role as a child to “work”, she had to bring a certain “childish energy” to the part, and she did so splendidly!  Her energy, gestures and facial expressions were effective, and at several crucial points she had just the vocal pathos to stir one’s emotions.  Her students will do well to learn from their “master”! 

Horton the elephant was another central role, and Cliff Magee was perfect for it: a big guy, for whom it was not out of character to be playing a large part – but he did it with the tenderness that was requisite to portray Horton’s compassion and faithfulness.  As I said, his solos are still playing in the “juke box” of my mind today; that says plenty! 

I could probably go on and on about quality individual performances, but there were SO many, and the key thing was: each person DID play their part, and did it well.  The sum total of all those parts was a musical very well done.  The live accompaniment was a tribute to a school with a quality music program.  Why, even the choreography and dancing was remarkably effective – for a bunch of Southern Baptists!  And I simply MUST mention “Mrs. Mayor’s” hair – it almost stole the show!  A masterful touch!   

As far as thematic elements, “a person’s a person no matter how small” is good even on the surface.  But it doesn’t take much imagination (and surely there are plenty of “thinks” present at a “Seussical” performance!) to see some theology in that message: that to our God, each person is important, no matter how insignificant they may seem to others.  (Hints of Psalm 139!)  And although I doubt that Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss’ real name) wrote that phrase as a commentary on one of today’s most incendiary social issues, I don’t know that he could have spoken more powerfully on it had he tried.  What better theme could there be for an emphasis on the right to life of the unborn than: “A person’s a person, no matter how small” – even when, like the “Whos”, their little voices cannot be heard.  It is a poignant reminder that these most helpless are indeed worthy of all of our efforts at their protection!  While not what some would call an overtly “Christian” production like “Narnia”, for the thoughtful observer there were plenty of Biblical themes present, including Gertrude’s important lesson in self-image, her never-say-die love for Horton, and of course Horton’s care for the “Whos”, and his absolute faithfulness.  It was touching to see this unlikely pair, after so many trials, be united in the end, and then dedicate themselves to minister together in the roles for which Providence had uniquely gifted each of them. 

It took a LOT of things coming together to make “Seussical” work, but work it did!  If you didn’t catch any of the performances this weekend, it’s not too late.  “Seussical” continues at the Martin Performing Arts Center at Louisiana College, Pineville, next Thurday-Saturday (April 14-16) at 7 p.m. nightly, with a matinee next Sunday (April 17) at 2:30. 

If you think that you should go, you really really should!        

For “Seussical”, you know, is very very good!

Ok, well, that’s why I don’t write children’s books!  But I really enjoyed “Seussical”, and I would recommend that you see it if possible.  Am I a totally unbiased observer?  I cannot lay claim to that.  I have had two children benefit from the uniquely Christian eduction at LC (each of them married/engaged to marvelous Christian people they met there) and I serve on the Board of Trustees for the school.  I have to admit that I am a big fan of LC.  I am also a big fan of productions that are thought-provoking, entertaining, and well-done – and “Seussical” was!