- September 15, 2024
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The cast of “Seussical the Musical” may typically consist of about 30 to 40 actors, but Director Thayer Greenberg said a roster of about 20 is large enough for the intimate venue of The Sarasota Players.
With the exception of studio shows, which take place within the theater's educational branch, last season's productions at the community theater didn't include any ensembles of this size, she said.
“I just love being able to take a show like Seussical that's normally done with a lot more people, and make it intimate, and bring the audience into the story,” Greenberg said.
For instance, she said, David Stein, the actor who plays The Cat in the Hat, has the chance to interact directly with the audience, who borders the actors on four sides in the theater venue.
The family-friendly musical, which intertwines the stories of Dr. Seuss characters from books like Horton Hears a Who!, Yertle the Turtle and The Cat in the Hat, kicks off the 95th season of The Sarasota Players.
The show takes place in the temporary location of The Sarasota Players as of 2020, a section of The Crossings at Siesta Key mall, which is a former Banana Republic store.
Greenberg said the small venue helps create an immersive experience.
In fact, when 10-year-old actor Max Dalmau walked onto the set and saw the decor, like the Truffula trees plastered in various locations, he felt transported into Dr. Seuss's books.
“It was like, like, whoa, this is the books, like, exactly,” he recalled.
Greenberg said the show, which began rehearsing in June, involves the community in its casting as well.
“Opening up the season, we have a show where we were able to cast an ensemble … because that's what community theater is about; it’s about creating community and having these places for people to be," Greenberg said.
She said she prefers to cast actors based on talent, rather than age, stating that young actors are excelling in adult roles, such as Dalmau, who plays the role of "The General" and previously played Mr. Wormwood in "Matilda."
“He is such a big personality that you almost forget he's 10 years old when he's playing these roles, he's so good on stage,” Greenberg said.
Rebeca Arrigall-Watkins, a theater teacher, enjoyed returning to relive her school days.
Back then, she played The Cat in the Hat, while this time, she takes the role of Gertrude McFuzz.
“I just wanted to get back on stage and remind myself why I started,” she said. “I was in 'Seussical' when I was in middle school, and it kind of started me off on loving musicals, and so it feels really full circle for me to come back in a different role.”
“I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't know 'Seussical,'” said Colleen Buchmeier, who plays Mayzie LaBird. “So many of these people and kids know the show, have done the show.”
However, Buchmeier said this ultimately doesn't change the rehearsal process.
“I think everybody brings what their other productions were … and so it takes a little while to let that go and have us create what our version is."
Ariel Proctor, an 18-year-old college student who plays the role of the Sour Kangaroo, calls the chemistry of the cast "admirable."
"Everyone has their lines, characters down. I feel like it's an amazing show," she said.
The show's whimsical characters nonetheless bring their unique attributes.
Arrigall-Watkins said Gertrude McFuzz is vulnerable yet willing to stand up for what she believes in.
“She has a lot of growth and development throughout the show, which I think is really important, especially in something that's maybe geared a bit more towards children," she said.
Proctor said of the Sour Kangaroo is a change of pace for her.
“Typically in theater, I ended up typecasted as a motherly, kind role, so it's really fun to let loose and be a little evil, be a little bit of a problem, a little sour," she said.
“There’s so many different ways people act, and all of them are so brilliant,” Dalmau said.
Greenberg said actors can also showcase their skills through the deceptively complex score.
"It is actually some of the hardest music, like, the harmonies are intense," she said. "It's never-ending. The whole show is essentially music, so you really have to be up on your music skills to do a show like this."
Katie Priest, 29, who plays one of the bird girls, calls the play an experience for everyone.
“Most people know what Dr Seuss is, and it's sweet, because parents read it to their their kids, and I think even the parents grew up with Dr. Seuss as well, and they keep remaking stories…" she said. "It’s very popular. I think it's super timeless and fun, and all ages can come see this.”
