Theater Review: 'Seussical, Jr.' by The Bethany Spartan Players

Review by Naugatuck Patch Mayor Nancy Sasso Janis

This weekend everyone will have the chance to see the result of all of the hard work that the Bethany Spartan Players have put into their joyous production of “Seussical, Jr.” Performances will be presented on the stage at Amity Middle School Bethany campus.

The junior version of this delightful and timeless musical features music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, both of whom wrote the book. The project was co-conceived by Ahrens, Flaherty and Eric Idle, based of course on the works of the beloved Dr. Seuss. The students in this year’s Bethany Spartan Players, with the generous support of the wonderful Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation, worked with Director Andrea Kennedy and Music Director Dr. Keith Smolinski, a science teacher at the middle school who is a talented musician.

Ms. Kennedy’s daughter Grace Kennedy worked as assistant choreographer and at the rehearsal that I attended helped to wrangle the excited students. Special thanks also go out to Amity High School teacher and Grace’s dad, Rob Kennedy. It was very apparent that the students had worked extremely hard over the last month; even during their tech rehearsal, the production came off as completely well rehearsed.

The cast features the adorable Mirah Chang in the role of JoJo and Andrew Mordecai is endearing in the role of Horton the Elephant, dressed in gray overalls. Rylee Maxwell is the brash and lazy Mayzie La Bird and Sharlotte Winter has fun with her role of Gertude McFuzz.

Alexios Selearis pulls off all of the comedic elements of the mischievous Cat in The Hat, as well as the many costume changes.

Lucy Moore is dressed in purple for her role as the Sour Kangaroo and looks amazing as she wails when necessary. Yandel Colon gets to play Mr. Mayor. Freyja Lyhne has a great green suit for her role as Yertle the Turtle and Sarah DelPrete is equally green as The Grinch. Khloe Rotheram appears briefly as Vlad Vladikoff.The Wickershams are played by Lucius Edwards, Lily Mecca and Sophia Scott.

Six ensemble members are clad in a rainbow of sparkly, feathered costumes as Bird Girls and The Who’s are dressed in shades of yellow. Other ensemble members play fish and the citizens of the jungle. Lucky for the students, the art team includes two costume assistants.

Costumes and props, as well as lobby decoration, are overseen by Amy Benton and everything is appropriately colorful and whimsical, making the overall look of the performance a joy to behold. Lighting will be engineered by Everett Rende (Gertrude carries her own flashlight at one point) and Sound Designer Robert Fragione makes sure that every performer is heard. There are a few projections managed by Flynn Gianfredi and Bridgett Nichol.

Matt Benton was in charge of the adorable set design, which includes fanciful roll-on pieces like Horton’s tree, JoJo’s starry bed, a news helicopter, a great bathtub, The Cat’s piano and gardens of pink puffs.

A host of parents and volunteers work together on hospitality, set building, tickets, concessions, and the cast party, as well as serving as house managers and house parents. Marissa Nall returns as the show’s producer to take care of all of the details.

The choreography is adorable for “Oh The Thinks You Can Think, as was the joyful curtain call. As I sang along to the familiar songs in the score, I decided that I need to be part of “Seussical” some day. Kudos to the adults who gave their all to bring this production to the stage, and to the young performers that truly have a chance to shine.

Don’t be “Alone in the Universe.” Go enjoy “Seussical, Jr.” at the Bethany campus on Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. or Sunday, Nov. 10 at 2:00 p.m.