Seussical, a co-production of The Carnegie and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, is a pure delight! It is bursting with color, whimsy, and heart. Running through February 16, this high-energy musical by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens immerses audiences in the vibrant world of Dr. Seuss, where beloved characters like The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, and even Yertle the Turtle leap off the pages and onto the stage.
Under the expert direction of Rachel Stevens, this production is a joyful, fast-paced spectacle filled with irresistible music, dazzling performances, and an inventive approach that sets it apart.
Beloved Main Characters
At the heart of the story are five central characters: Joey Baciocco’s charming and mischievous Cat in the Hat, who serves as our whimsical guide; Matthew Danforth’s steadfast and kind-hearted Horton, who hears the cries of JoJo (Carter Minor) from a speck of dust and vows to protect Whoville at all costs; Monique Churchill’s sweet yet determined Gertrude McFuzz, hopelessly in love with Horton but convinced her unimpressive tail is holding her back; and Sydney Short’s sultry, confident Mayzie LaBird, whose carefree attitude stands in stark contrast to Gertrude’s earnestness. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable—Churchill brings a quirky sincerity to Gertrude, making her an instant audience favorite, while Short’s magnetic stage presence and powerhouse vocals make Mayzie’s flashy, self-serving charm impossible to ignore.
Baciocco’s Cat in the Hat is an absolute delight. Baciocco seamlessly breaks the fourth wall to pull the audience into the magic. His smooth vocals, playful energy, and effortless charisma make him the perfect ringmaster of this chaotic, wonderful world. Though he only directly interacts with JoJo, his presence feels like a treat made just for the audience.
Supporting Cast Shines
The supporting cast, comprised of UC’s exceptionally talented students, brings boundless energy to every scene. The Whickersham Brothers (Josh Devine, Dominic Carroll, and Nick Gundrum) and the Bird Girls (Ry Denver, Arden Allmon, and Indya Lincicome) elevate the production with tight harmonies, sharp comedic timing, and dynamic choreography. Essence Bell’s Sour Kangaroo delivers a vocal performance so strong it reverberates through the theater, commanding the stage with every note.
Reimagined Staging and Design
One of the most striking elements of this Seussical is its fresh approach to staging and design. Instead of leaning into traditional animal costumes, Charlotte Campbell’s costume design and Candace Leyland’s wig and hair styling craft visually striking interpretations that feel modern and imaginative. They keep the stage open, with visible props and scene transitions. Orchestrated by set designer Tyler Gabbard, this approach gives the production a fluid, behind-the-scenes magic that makes the audience feel like part of the creative process. This departure from the more literal, hyper-colorful Seussical productions of the past feels intentional and refreshing.
Jessica Harris’s choreography is a true highlight. She blends classic musical theater movements with contemporary stylings that showcase the cast’s remarkable dance talent. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a Cincinnati cast move with such precision, energy, and skill. Each ensemble member shines, making even the smallest moments feel significant.
Overall
Having both performed in and seen Seussical many times, I can confidently say I’ve never experienced a version quite like this. The clever multi-role casting allows the actors to display their versatility while keeping the stage constantly alive with purposeful movement. And while one audience member next to me wondered aloud why Horton didn’t have elephant ears, the thoughtful costuming and character-driven performances made it clear within minutes.
The program describes Seussical as “a fantastical journey that sparks laughter, captures hearts, and leaves lasting memories.” That couldn’t be more accurate. At its core, Seussical is a story about love, empathy, and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself. These themes resonate deeply in today’s world. Whether you have kids or not, this production is an absolute must-see.
Tickets to Seussical
Seussical, the phenomenal collaboration between CCM and The Carngie, runs weekends through through February 16 at The Carnegie in Covington. Get your tickets ONLINE, or call 859-957-1940.
