The highly anticipated production of "Seussical the Musical" took center stage at Covenant College this past month, from February 22-25. With its vibrant colors and whimsical characters, the songs and dances of the show captivated audiences from the moment the lights were lit. Seussical is an imaginative journey through the world of Dr. Seuss as shown through the eyes of Jojo, a small Who child. He meets fantastical characters like Horton the Elephant, Mayzie La Bird, and The Sour Kangaroo, among others.
Photo courtesy of Covenant College
The show was directed by Professor Claire Slavovsky of the theater department, and music direction was provided by Professor David Tahere of the music department. Costume designer Courtney McKenzie brought the iconic characters of the Seuss tales to life with her imaginative designs, blending whimsy and nostalgia.
Performances spanned from February 22 to 25, enchanting audiences with four unforgettable shows over the course of the three days. There was even a school day show on Thursday morning for local middle and high schools. Over 300 Chattanooga students came to see the show! For those fortunate enough to witness the spectacle, it was an experience filled with laughter, joy, and a touch of nostalgia. The main cast featured Michael Cooke as the mischievous Cat in the Hat, along with Hunter Friedrichsen as the endearing Horton the Elephant. Alongside them were Julia Michael as the loveable and clumsy Gertrude McFuzz, Luisa Monteiro-Oliveira as the riffing Sour Kangaroo, and Lily Och as sassy Mayzie La Bird. One of the stand-out roles featured eleven-year-old Penny James as the lead, Jojo the Who. Penny was accompanied by all nine of her siblings, from Emily, who is a sophomore at Covenant, to two-year-old Calvin as the Elephant Bird.
The show's closing night left the chapel ringing with the sounds of applause. As the lights have dimmed on "Seussical the Musical," it has left behind fond memories of fun, and a testament to the dedication and talent of all involved. The Covenant theater and music departments once again delivered a captivating performance, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating their next production. As part of the cast myself, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this production. It was challenging, fun, and helped me make great memories.