10-25-2024 7:07am

Suessical The Musical - Review - Children's Music Theater of Alamogordo

Chris Edwards Editor

The Children's Mucic Theatre of Alamogordo is at it again hosting their latest production at the Flickinger Center. The troop under the direction of Heather Bash is performing Suessical with 2 more performances scheduled for Friday, night October 25th, at 7 pm and Saturday, October 26th, at 7 pm. This is a fantastic family oriented show not to be missed.

Children the world over grew up loving a variety of Dr. Seuss’s books. Like most literature each book inspires, raises questions, some at times have led to controversy, but each were fun with colorful characters sure to brings smiles to multiple generations.

Even with a lot to live up to, the Children's Music Theatre went way above my expectations with this colorful and energetic version of the show which included 41 young actors in the production.

The Cat in the Hat portrayed by Luke Lawrence was mischievous and spectacularly entertaining from the start as he engaged with the audience. The brightly costumed company featured the iconic HAT that makes everyone think- Dr Suess. Lawrence led us through the show, which is based on 19 of Dr. Seuss’s classic books. “Seussical, the Musical” brings these stories to life with song, great choreography, colorful sets, funky props and terrific acting! Everything was so fun that the show time just flew by.

The story begins with Horton the Elephant portrayed by Isaac De La Torre hearing a tiny cry for help. With those big ears it seems like he is the only one who can hear the cry and soon finds a clover in which sits the whole town of Whoville, who are in danger.

Jojo portrayed by Logan Weaver, acts as the Whoville Mayor’s son, is always getting in trouble by thinking up lots of crazy thoughts that morph into crazy scenes.

Gertrude McFuzz portrayed by Sterling Griffin the bird with a one-feathered tail, is infatuated with Horton but feels “less than” and tries to get his attention by growing the longest tail anyone’s ever seen. She is jealous of the Diva Mayzie La Bird portrayal Eliza George as Mayzie La Bird is funny with her posse of stuck up Bird Girls.

The Sour Kangaroo uses her full voice to try to convince all the animals to destroy the clover that holds the city of Whoville. Horton tries to save the clover and chaos ensues with the chant of “boil that dust speck”. Yertle the Turtle resides over the trial and has a lot spunk, especially for a turtle. Impressive at how well all the soloists could sing.

Some of the featured songs were “Oh the thinks you can think,” “Amazing Mayzie and Amazing Gertrude,” “Egg, Nest and Tree” and the beautiful ballad “Solla Sollew.” Kudos to the talent performances and did I mention there was a brilliant live orchestra?

No Seussical show would be as successful as this one without the fantastical costumes and a host of volunteers. Joining the onstage cast for the production was a backstage crew of nine children and five adults; the 10-member live orchestra wirh just a few featured above; a light, sound and background technician; and enthusiastic parents and family members who helped bring the show to life

Will Horton save the Who’s? Will Gertrude get her Elephant? Can an elephant hatch an egg? You’ll have to go see the show to find out this Friday October 26th and Saturday October 27th at 7pm.

Come support culture in Alamogordo on the historic New York Avenue. Get there early and visit a few of the shops, Our Little Country Store across from Wells Fargo on 12th between White Sands Blvd and New York. Before the show dine at the Asian Garden just around the corner or the revitalized Memories Restaurant on the 1200 Block of New York Avenue. And of course don't forget about the 900 block, though construction is going on in the street, pop by early, the sidewalks are open snd stores such as Roadrunner Galleria, Victoria and others are open each morning 10 am onward. Join the New York Avenue shopping and cultural arts district and support the hearbeat of Alamogordo for live theater performances, shopping and dining.

The Vision of Children's Music Theater of Alamogordo

Founded by Teresa Ham & Heather Bash in 2018, the vision of Children’s Music Theater of Alamogordo is to bring art and theater literacy to young people in our community by giving them the experience of performing live theater, dance, and music onstage. We also strive to enrich their lives by giving them the opportunity to participate in the many varied aspects of theatrical performance (set construction, painting, props, stage make-up, costumes, etc.), giving them a positive creative outlet, teaching them public speaking skills, giving them the opportunity to build lasting friendships, and encouraging them to learn the value of hard work and teamwork.