Seussical at Lake Tahoe Community College: Don't miss it!

Opening nights always have a special energy and excitement to them, and last night's first performance of Seussical had those qualities and more.

There's not a bad seat in the house at LTCC's Duke Theatre; as you enter the theatre, you will be struck by the towering set design. Very clever three-dimensional construction makes for a terrific physical arena for the many actors in the cast. Thanks to sponsor Marcus Ashley Gallery, original Dr. Seuss artworks are on display, which made my three little theatre-goers very excited to name off the books and characters that they recognized. They were instantly engaged before the show even started. Mind you, they are ages 4 to 6, and much more up to speed on Dr. Seuss's books. I do wish I had brushed up on my Seuss beforehand and paid more attention to Horton Hears A Who and The Lorax when my son was watching those movies in the other room a decade ago. My mommy friend was eager to tell me, that I can borrow her copy of All Aboard the Circus McGurkus, it will help to explain some of the complicated intertwining stories that make up this musical.

The show kicks off with nearly the entire cast on stage, in gorgeous colorful costumes, belting out a great melody. There is action everywhere, the choreography is top-notch with gymnastics, aerial swing, poles, and ladders; the actors are in the aisles and working the audience throughout the show.

The Cat in the Hat is fantastic, but then so are all the other characters, everyone has enough stage time for the audience to engage and bond with them. The special feature was numerous actors playing the part of Horton, a very unique theatrical trick that added to the experience.

After the show, my little friends were delighted to meet some of the actors who graciously posed for photos. I was happy to meet director Erik Baker, a charming New York transplant who is now bringing so much to our Tahoe community. He told me that half the cast had never been on a stage before tonight, including the terrific Grinch (who happily squatted low for a shot with my three littles) Sorry New York, the Bakers are mountain folks now!
As we walked to the car, I asked my fellow theatergoers for their reviews. They shouted in unison, "It was soooo good!" Highlight for Reya, age 4 was the Blue Bird, and for brothers Beckett, 6, and Callan, 4, it was the army fight scenes, such good choreography!

There are more performances this weekend and next, don't miss it especially if you have young children. It will be a great first theatrical experience for them!

The remaining shows (tickets here):
2 p.m. Sunday, June 11th
7 p.m. Friday, June 16th
2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Saturday, June 17th
2 p.m. Sunday, June 18th

Whimsically reviewed by Michelle Gomez
"A Person's a Person, no matter how small"