Seussical!

Character List

The Cat in the Hat The Cat is the essence of mischief, fun and imagination. The Cat stirs things up, causes trouble, but always sets things right again, helping JoJo to discover the power of his imagination as they create the story for the show together. This role can be cast as either male or female, and needs to be someone who will be able to play many comic cameos and is comfortable improvising with an audience.

Thing One

Thing Two Thing One and Thing Two are non-speaking roles that will rely heavily on pantomime and provide much comic relief as they assist the Cat in making mischief. Thing One and Thing Two will be played by youth, either boys or girls (or one of each).

Citizens of Nool

Horton the Elephant A gentle giant, rotund and appealing. Think of him as a big-hearted blue collar guy who is steadfast and responsible and always tries to do the right thing for his friends. He is imaginative and receptive to the world around him. He is very un-self-conscious. Horton's view of the world never changes--he believes in its goodness. But by the end of the show, without even realizing it, he is ready to become a parent.

Gertrude McFuzz Very self-conscious and aware that her one-feather tail isn't perfect. Gertrude changes during the show from a vain, neurotic, nervous and shy bird into one with the power to protect and care for a baby elephant bird and commit herself to Horton. In other words, she stops worrying about her looks and grows up.

Mayzie LaBird Self-centered, selfish and vain, Mayzie will never admit to her own flaws. She manipulates anyone she can (especially Horton) into doing what she wants. But Mayzie isn't all bad. In giving up her egg to Horton once and for all, she has a moment of generosity--she realizes she isn't the kind of person who'd be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can do for the egg.

Sour Kangaroo She isn't really sour at all. She's just got a lot of attitude. She's loud, brassy and a lot of fun.

Bird Girls There will be at least three Bird Girls, possibly four or five. Ability to harmonize an absolute must. The Bird Girls provide much of the narration of the show, in close, girl-group-style vocals.

Wickershams These are not bad guys! They're simply a lot like kids who tease, play pranks and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at others' expense. They enjoy hanging around with one another, making music together on the street corner, and playing off one another. Encourage each of your actors to find his own Wickersham persona. There will be at least three Wickershams, possibly four, and will be cast male or female (or a combination).

Yertle the Turtle Yertle serves as the judge in the Jungle of Nool. Small featured role.

Other Jungle Animals, to include Vlad Vladikoff and other small featured roles.

The Whos

JoJo is a "Thinker"--a smart child with a wild imagination. He can be played as being a little bit awkward, a little bit of a loner, or simply a rambunctious kid whose 'Thinks' get him into constant trouble. By the end of the show, he learns what it means to be a responsible member of his world, using the power and possibilities of his own 'Thinks.' The role of JoJo is male, but it may be cast with a young girl.

Mayor

Mayor’s Wife JoJo’s parents trying hard to raise a difficult child in a difficult world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love him dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake.

General Ghengis Khan Schmitz General Schmitz is bursting with pride at the military academy he runs, and the boys he turns out. He is not sadistic, mean or abusive. He is proud! He is doing the right thing for his boys! He is making the world a better place! This makes him a comic character, because it's clear he's so misguided. By the end of the show, he's discovered that making war may not be the right thing to do, and that adults can learn from children as well.

Other Citizens of Whoville, including Cadets (youth), the Grinch, and other small featured roles

Circus Members (will also be Jungle Animals or Whos)

Featured Dancers (will also be Jungle Animals or Whos)

Fish (“It’s Possible”)

Hunches (“Havin’ a Hunch”)