Seussical
Arts Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 2nd December 2013
Returning to the Arts Theatre following last year's Christmas season, Seussical brings together some of Dr Seuss' best loved characters. Sell A Door have staged the ‘Theatre for Young Audiences’ version of the Broadway musical which, along with a family friendly performance schedule, makes the perfect family festive treat and pantomime alternative.
The story is enchanting while Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens' (lyrics) score is upbeat and mostly catchy, the fact that several children started to sing-a-long towards the end of the show (certainly melodies are repeated again and again and again) proves the musical is doing something right! Richard Evans' design appears a little cheap, but is colourful and eye-catching - perfect for capturing the imaginations of younger audience members.
The most irritating aspect of Sell A Door's production is the use of robotic backing tracks which kill the atmosphere. I would rather listen to a single pianist positioned in the corner of the stage than sit through a show with poor quality backing tracks, it's so frustrating.
Racky Plews, who is clearly headed for great things, has done a spectacular job at choreographing the show. The musical numbers appear big and bold and the cast of just twelve fill the stage with their huge personalities and charm. A strong vocal performance comes from Shekinah McFarlane as the diva-ish Sour Kangaroo, whilst it is Jessica Parker who steals most of the laughs as the self centred Mayzie La Bird.
One would expect a musical based on Dr Seuss' books to be weird, wacky and tremendous fun and Seussical certainly ticks all those boxes. While this production lacks atmosphere and that all-important extra 'omph', it provides fun escapism from reality for first time, young audiences.
Please visit www.seussical-london.com for further information and tickets.
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