Review: See NWCT’s “Seussical” at Home!

Northwest Children’s Theater undertook the zizzer-zazzer-zuzzian task of producing Seussical the Musical during quarantine, and the result is a fun and upbeat performance your family can enjoy online.

In the show, the Cat in the Hat, Horton, and a host of other characters sing a medley of show tunes inspired by the beloved books of the iconic children’s author. The socially distant theater production required that performers record their parts in isolation from their cast mates, to be later harmonized on screen in an array of dynamic frames and stop-motion animation. The montage of audio-visual wizardry tells the story of Horton Hears a Who, ever relevant in today’s climate for promoting equality and dignity for all, with interjections from the Cat and other characters on the power of imagination.

Seussical performers include many of the youth cast in Elephant & Piggie’s We are in a Play — which was canceled due to the stay-at-home order. Seussical also features talented NWCT alumni including Camille Trinka (Cinderella and Matilda the Musical), Erik James (Mary Poppins) and Heath Hyun Houghton (Chitra: The Girl Prince and Tenali: The Royal Trickster). And while he’s not on screen for this one, NWCT Associate Artistic Director John Ellingson lends his skills to the stop-motion animation weaved throughout the video.

The runtime is approximately 70 minutes, but unlike other trips to the theater, this show comes with a pause button, perfect for snacks and potty breaks. The ticket offerings include a variety of perks such as a digital activity kit, craft kit, live watch party, a personalized video chat with a character from the show, and a live Seussical-themed workshop, led by an NWCT teaching artist.

NWCT is an important part of the Portland arts community, and we are excited to see how they pivoted to create something brand-new to bring the theater experience to kids at home. Although it lacks the traditional elements of a live production, Seussical the Musical showcases the same creativity and energy that we love from NWCT. If your little theatergoers were disappointed to miss out on Seussical in person, you can now bring the experience home to them!

Seussical the Musical Online
June 17 – 30, 2020
Your ticket grants 24 hour access to the performance

Most enjoyed by ages 4 and up
Only one digital ticket or package is required per household. Sliding scale starting at $1.

Learn more: https://nwcts.org/shows/seussical/