Dr. Seuss makes house call at Firehall Theatre
Horton, The Grinch and The Cat in the Hat — the Firehall Theatre stage is going to be crowded with Dr. Seuss this month.
For the second show of the 2017- 18 season, The Niagara Falls Music Theatre Society gathers some of the most beloved characters in children’s books for the Dr. Seuss amalgamation Seussical.
Though not written by Seuss, who died in 1991, the show features many of his iconic creations in a story based mainly on Horton Hears a Who! Written by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, the show debuted on Broadway in 2000 to mixed reviews, but has proven to be a community theatre staple in recent years, with several productions in Niagara alone.
Director Betsy Tauro directed the show for students 12 years ago at the Beamsville school she teaches at, and was eager to return to its whimsical world.
“It’s just a delightful show, and it’s Seuss’s birthday March 2 so we’re hoping to have a cake in the lobby,” she says.
“The show is about caring for the planet, caring for each other. It’s just really stuff needed to be heard right about now.”
The vast array of characters both major and minor requires a huge cast. Firehall’s production will cram 25 people — including a baby — under the spotlight.
“It’s gonna be a little chaotic back stage,” she says.
Among the cast is Jerome Black as The Cat in the Hat, Joshua Fleming as Horton, Erica Sherwood as Gertrude McFuzz and Alex Lowrey as Jojo. Firehall staple Michael Madden also makes an appearance as The Grinch.
Tauro makes her Firehall debut as director, continuing the company’s efforts to get new blood directing shows this season. First- time director Wendy Mackie handled the season opener Five Women Wearing the Same Dress.
Like Mackie, Tauro has appeared on stage at the Firehall Theatre, but hasn’t directed until now.
In addition to the Firehall show, she’s also preparing for the annual Women’s Day show with her group Broadband, comprised of Niagara female musicians.
It’s not too much to juggle yet, “but I’ll keep you posted.”