“Seussical the Musical” comes to Belvidere

By Anne Eickstadt

REPORTER

“It’s a really lovable show for everyone who has affection for the Dr. Seuss stories of their childhood,” Choreographer Sheri Warren said of the upcoming production of “Suessical the Musical. “The story cleverly brings together a lot of Dr. Seuss’ plots.”

This fantasy of a family musical is based on the books of Dr. Seuss. It includes favorites like ‘Horton Hear a Who,’ ‘Horton Hatches an Egg,’ and Miss Gertrude McFuzz.’

“It’s so colorful and fast paced that it is great for kids. There is no time for them to get bored. There is so much eye candy and moves so fast that even toddlers will be fascinated,” Warren said.

In the musical, Horton hears a noise coming from a speck of dust on a clover. He commits himself to protecting it, and the Whos who live on it. Jojo, a misfit Who, who “doesn’t think normal Thinks,” tries desperately to find a place in Who society.

Gertrude McFuzz tries to catch the attention of her love – Horton. Through adventures and mishaps, these unusual characters finally find what they are searching for – a place in the world.

“The actors range in age from six to 70-years-old and they come from – Belvidere, Rockford, Roscoe, Woodstock – everywhere,” Director Kevin Gordon said. “Some of the actors hope to do this forever, and some of them are in the show just because they enjoy it. This is Main Street Community Theater’s 22^nd year. This is a fun family show. Everybody knows who Dr. Seuss is. The show mixes so many of his stories into the plot. Everybody really wants to be here, and it shows in the production. I’m really excited for opening night. Come out and support Belvidere Community Theater. We are seeing so many of these community theaters fade away. We need to support the arts.”

The production is all about a team effort of fun community members will enjoy.

“We have a cast of 53 people; 17 of them are kids from Belvidere schools,” Stage Manager Sandra Tifft said. “We also have a handful of directors acting in the show. Tim Crow has directed in Rockford schools. He plays Yertle the Turtle in our show. Tim Curtis has directed all over. He plays Horton the Elephant. The Cat in the Hat is portrayed by T. J. Hill who is the new director at the Performing Arts Center. John Van Ness is a retired director of Rockford Theater, and he is playing the Grinch.”

Audiences will love the show just as much as the actors do.

“It’s really exciting. We have actors of all ages, from all over the area, and a 12 piece orchestra, mostly students from Rockford East High School,” Music Director Sue Funk said. “The part of JoJo is played by Emma Lance. It’s really cool. It’s really awesome working with everyone, and it just keeps getting better and better and better. I hope everyone comes out to see the show.”

All of the actors agree it is a lovely family show that audiences won’t want to miss.

“Everyone should come see it. It’s a super fun show. The whole cast plays wildly different and crazy characters, so it is fun to act and fun to watch,” Cat in the Hat, T. J. Hill, said.

The vast difference in characters is what makes the show so endearing.

“Horton is kind of like Charlie Brown,” Horton the Elephant, Tim Curtis, said. “He stands by his own beliefs and will defend them no matter what anyone else says. ‘An elephant is faithful 100 percent.’ It’s a fun show. I’m enjoying myself.”

The experience of being a part of this production is very rewarding as well.

“I have played this role before. Being able to play it with younger cast members gives me a chance to connect with different types of people and the opportunity to be a leader. Come see the show. It’s going to be great,” Sour Kangaroo, Eileen Funk, said.

“Seussical the Musical” will be performed on Friday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. and the matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m. It will be performed it again the following weekend, Friday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Nov. 20 at the same times.

Learn more about the Main Street Players of Boone County at: www.mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com.