Welcome Theater Artists! Columbus Recreation and Parks is excited to announce that we are producing Seussical the Musical in the summer of 2025. This is change to our season as we recently found out we lost the rights to perform School of Rock. But Seussical was on our list for 2026, and we couldn’t be happier to bring this story to the stage a year early. We’re looking for kids (ages 9+), teens and adults for this fun, tuneful, heartwarming show.
Read on for info on this production, and then, if you choose you can pre-register for an audition slot for April 14 or 15. (you can register using the form at the bottom of the page.)
SUMMARY
Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Tony winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.
The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.
SEUSSICAL CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
The characters in Seussical are fantastic and imaginary creations based on characters featured
in the Dr. Seuss collection of stories. They speak in Seussian verse, very rhythmic with incredible
rhymes, even when not singing.
Even though there are four main characters (The Cat, Horton, Gertrude, and JoJo), this really is
an ensemble show. The characters work together to tell the story, each playing an important
part.
The majority of the show is accompanied by music and involves all the characters. In the
individual character breakdown, only the main songs each character is featured in are listed,
but each character may be involved in many other songs.
THE CAT IN THE HAT (Male or female)
The essence of mischief, fun, and imagination. The Cat stirs things up, causes trouble, but
always sets things right again. He or she is the host and emcee of the evening, playing many
comic minor parts throughout the story, sometimes improvising with the audience, and a
presence in almost every scene. Strong singer with strong movement skills and comic ability.
Main songs:
Oh, The Thinks You can Think, A Day for the Cat in the Hat, How Lucky You Are, Having a Hunch
HORTON THE ELEPHANT (Male)
An elephant and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Gentle, bighearted, appealing. He is very
imaginative and believes in the world’s goodness. He is responsible and always tries to do the
right thing for his friends. He is responsible for saving the planet Who and in doing so befriends
JoJo. Strong singer/actor with good comic timing.
Main songs:
Horton Hears a Who, Alone in the Universe, Notice Me Horton, Solla Sollew
GERTRUDE McFUZZ (Female)
A bird and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Very self-conscious, shy, and nervous at first, she
grows into a kind and caring protector. She is in love with Horton and does what she can to get
his attention, including foolishly growing an enormous feathered tail. She is a bit naïve at times,
but always is a voice of reason. Strong singer/actor with good movement skills and comic
timing.
Main songs:
One Feathered Tail, Amayzing Gertrude, Notice Me Horton, All For You
MAYZIE LA BIRD (Female)
A bird and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Self-centered, selfish and vain. She manipulates
anyone she can (especially Horton) into doing what she wants, but she isn’t all bad. Strong
singer/actor with strong movement skills. Very comic.
Main songs:
Amayzing Mayzie, How Lucky You Are, Amayzing Horton
SOUR KANGAROO (Female)
A kangaroo and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. She isn’t really sour at all: she’s just got a lot of
attitude. She’s loud, brassy and a lot of fun. Is the main antagonist and the cause of all Horton’s
trouble. A strong singer/actor with good comic ability and soulful singing.
Main songs:
Biggest Blame Fool, Chasing the Whos, Egg, Nest, and Tree, The Trial of the People vs. Horton the Elephant
WICKERSHAM BROTHERS (Male)
Three monkey brothers and citizens of the Jungle of Nool. These are not bad guys! They’re
simply a lot like kids who tease, play pranks, and get a kick out of making mischief, although
often at others’ expense. They side with the Sour Kangaroo in her campaign against Horton and
cause more trouble for poor Horton. Strong movers with lots of soulful singing.
Main songs:
Biggest Blame Fool, Monkeying Around, Chasing the Whos, Egg, Nest, and Tree
BIRD GIRLS (Female)
Three sassy birds and citizens of the Jungle of Nool. Selfcentered “back up birds” who do
whatever Mayzie does. They often act as storytellers, picking up where The Cat left off. A big
presence throughout the evening. Good singer/movers with lots of soulful singing.
Main songs:
Horton Hears a Who, Amayzing Mayzie, Amayzing Gertrude, All For You
MR. & MRS. MAYOR (Male & Female)
The Mayor of Whoville and his wife. They try hard to raise their son JoJo in a difficult world.
They may get aggravated with JoJo, but they love him dearly and try to do the right thing, even
if it turns out to be a mistake. Strong singers/actors.
Main songs:
Here on Who, How to Raise a Child, Solla Sollew
JOJO (Male or female)
A young boy. JoJo is a Who and is the only child of the mayor and his wife. A “Thinker” a
smart child with a wild imagination. A little bit awkward, a little bit of a loner, or simply a
rambunctious kid whose “Thinks” get him into constant trouble. In the end, his Thinks save his
planet. Strong singer/actor.
Main songs:
It’s Possible, Alone in the Universe, Solla Sollew, Having a Hunch
GENERAL GENGHIS KHAN SCHMITZ (Male)
A Who General who is bursting with pride at the military academy he runs, and the boys he
turns out. He is not mean; he honestly thinks he is doing the right thing and is making the world
a better place. Strong singer/actor with comedic ability.
Main songs:
Military Academy
ENSEMBLE:
JUNGLE OF NOOL CHARACTERS
Male/Female
Strong movement ability
Ensemble Singing
WHOS IN WHOVILLE
Males/Females
Adults and children
Children will also be cadets
Audition details:
When:
April 14 and 15 at 6:30pm | You only need to attend one day.
Where:
Auditions will be held at the Columbus Performing Arts Center at 549 Franklin Ave.. There is free parking on the street and in the lot across the street from the theatre. DO NOT park in the spaces to the west of the theatre. Please note that rehearsals will also take place at this location.
Callbacks:
If needed, callbacks will be held on Wednesday April 16 from 6:30-9pm at the same location as auditions (CPAC). You will be notified via email by the evening of April 15 if our team needs to call you back.
What to prepare:
Please prepare 30-60 seconds of a song to sing for the initial auditions. If you have sheet music, our accompanist will play for you. If not, bring a prerecorded instrumental tune to sing to. Well have a Bluetooth speaker to which you can connect. Actors will read from the script and may dance during call backs.
Crew:
Crew members are a vital part of any successful production. If you are interested in participating in the Gem of the Ocean crew, let us know. We will be looking for help with Props. Lights, Sound, Costumes, Hair and Makeup, Set Crew (Building/Painting) and Run Crew (during the performances). If you’d like to join the team, contact Geoff gamartin@columbus.gov so we can discuss possible roles with you!
Rehearsal Schedule:
Our rehearsals will begin mid April 2025. Typically, our schedule will include rehearsals Mon – Thursday from 6:30-9pm. Tech rehearsals will begin mid-June. Tech rehearsals are required for all cast and crew. Rehearsals will take place at the Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Avenue.
Performances:
We have 4 performances scheduled on June 26, 27, 28 and 29 (at 7:30pm), 2025. These performances are free! No tickets or reservations are required. The performances will be held at the Franklin Park Amphitheatre in historic Franklin Park!