Antioch theater presents 'Seussical'
There are the Whos, a Grinch and two Things.
Animals like an elephant named Horton and a Cat in the Hat add quite a sight.
See these and other Dr. Seuss characters come to life, all to music on an Antioch stage starting Friday night.
The PM&L Theatre will present "Seussical," based on the works of Theodor Seuss Geisel, known as Dr. Seuss, through Dec. 16.
Director Donna Abear said "Seussical," first performed on Broadway in 2000, is a great show for kids and adults who grew up reading Dr. Seuss. Adding to the fun is the music.
'Dr. Seuss is well suited for music. It is all rhyming," she said. "I'm surprised no one thought of it sooner."
While "Seussical" features pieces from more than 15 of Seuss' books, Abear said the main story is taken from "Horton Hears a Who" and "Horton Hatches An Egg."
Narrating the story is the Cat in the Hat, played by Dean Griffiths, who Abear said offers humor that delights children. He also is the only character that interacts with the audience through the show.
"It's mischievous but G-rated," she said.
The Lake Villa dad calls the role a privilege to play. It's his hope, Griffiths says, to be unpredictable once he gets on stage.
"Kids or adults, I want them not to know what he will do next, what move he will make," he said, adding, "I act like this at home."
The Cat pushes a girl named JoJo, played by Samantha Abear of Antioch, into the story. She becomes the daughter of the mayor and wife of Whoville and is able to talk to Horton the elephant, played by Ralph Churchill of Round Lake.
Horton hears voices from a speck of dust and learns about this small planet called Whoville that sits on a clover that Horton holds. The people of Whoville need Horton to save their home.
Like Horton, who is ridiculed by the other jungle animals for believing in something he can not see, JoJo also is ostracized for the unpopular act of thinking, which is not encouraged by the parents and teachers of Whoville.
Horton sees his troubles grow when he meets Mayzie La Bird, a flighty sultry bird played by Caitlin Boho. Mayzie, while sitting on her egg, talks Horton to watch the egg for her while she takes off.
Jealous of Mayzie and hoping to get Horton's attention is Gertrude, played by Sheri Storer of Huntley.
In love with Horton, Gertrude shows how one will do the ridiculous to impress. Storer said she interprets Horton's lack of interest because he does not like her tail. So she takes a bunch of pills to grow one huge tail to impress Horton.
"But a big problem is she can't do anything to help him when he's in trouble," Storer said.
Horton faces trial when everyone in the jungle, particularly a sour kangaroo played by Cassandra Virgin of Antioch, thinks it's crazy an elephant is sitting on an egg.
"But in the end, I'm the one to protect him and the egg and Gertrude," Virgin reveals.
Whether children or adults, Abear said audiences will enjoy the mix of music including pop, rhythm and rock, the high energy story and the characters that were created by Dr. Seuss.
"It's like Dr. Seuss behind the scenes," Boho said.
If you go
What: "Seussical"
Where: PM&L Theatre, 877 Main St., Antioch
When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Friday to Dec. 16
Tickets: $15 for reserved seating and $12 for students and seniors
Details: Call the PM&L Theatre box office at (847) 395-3055