Newspaper Review of Seussical

This is the newspaper review in it's entirety...I've highlighted the parts about me/sister/good friends :) They gave us a very nice review, despite their atrocious spelling (I'm Kaylee and Karis is Karin, and they managed to misspell about the half the cast's names, as well as the title! *end rant*)


Talented Cast Excels From Suessical Jr. Musical Show

Review by Kay Anthony

Continuing with the eighth production of the Evans Children's Academy of Performing Arts productions, director Nick Sweet has again brought another show stopper (woo hoo!) to the Poncan Theater Stage.

"Suessical Jr." with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, based on the works of Dr. Seuss, is indeed a fine example of the talent the area young people have and are willing to share. Opening tonight at 7:30 with performances on Friday and Saturday as well as Sunday afternoon, this production is sure to please.¬

As usual, a tremendous amount of background work was done in advance to make everything come together and this was most evident in the musical and dance portions of the show. Musical director Katie Schelp, who was assisted by Matt Graves and choreographer Lori May, assisted by dance captain Emily May, spent countless¬ hours preparing the young stars "in the making." Without the help of stage manager, Kelli Graves, stage entries and exits with the massive cast of 70 or so would never have gone smoothly. Sound by Wade Childers and Breana Green added greatly to the enjoyment of the show and lights by Greg McElroy and spots by Mark Graves and Dennis Cummings were right on.

To say Peggy Ritter as costumer had an awesome job would be an understatement. The costumes were just outstanding. Not many sets were on the stage due to the large cast I am sure but what were there, including a large stage for the "Whosville" residents, were most effective. Evidence of Christina Rich-Splawns talents were also enjoyed in book cover designs which set the mood at the side of the stage.

Now to the real stars of the show who brought Dr. Suess stories to life on stage. It must be said at the beginning that there is no way everyone can be properly recognized, and a reminder to all, that attending one of the performances is the only way for you, the readers of this review, to give them the credit they deserve. Those mentioned by name merely are some of those highlighting the cast in special roles.

Starting off with one of the littlest, Jo-Jo, the Mayor's son, was portrayed by Dawson May, who is truly a "chip off the old block." Dawson is proof that great things often come in small packages. Amazing, adorable and animated are adjectives that first came to mind and lasted through the entire show. He charmed the audience from the beginning to the end and I think we will all look back on his early performances in Ponca City and be proud to say we knew him when. Both his acting and his singing exhibited a pleasing and sweet child's voice. It will be fun to see where his talent takes him in life.¬

Next, the Cat in the Hat, portrayed by Nic Winterrowd,¬ was a favorite character from the moment he leapt on stage and donned the famed red and white striped hat. He literally took command of the stage when he was in a scene, and I can't say enough about his natural ability to move with such fluidity. His face was covered with white make-up, but his facial expressions were priceless. At the opening of the second act he brought out a director's stand, assumed the stance of a director with his baton in hand and masterfully directed the taped soundtrack. If acting doesn't work out as a future career I am quite sure he could have a very successful career in music. His singing always was on pitch and pleasing to hear. Ditto the above paragraph about little Dawson. I think Nic can go as far as he wants to in performing.

¬ Ryan Brown as Horton was also a standout. Starting slow as a shy elephant, his character grew stronger as the musical progressed and in the end he was one of the favorites. Becoming a father late in life after faithfully guarding an egg left in his care for 51 days¬ (you had to be there to understand this), he not only showed acting ability but also sang very well. I especially liked his singing "A Person is a Person," which was one of the best songs in the musical. His newly hatched "daughter," the elephant bird, was the cute Gracie Daine, who stole our hearts.

Kaylee Branstetter as Gertrude was also very effective in a role that grew steadily throughout the show. Starting off as a really pathetic love sick shy bird, she developed her character into a most loveable bird who won the heart of the elephant when she was willing to assume the mother role of his "child." Her singing was strong and enjoyable to listen to and we are sure to see much more of her talents on the stage.

Autumn Circle, a statuesque dark haired beauty, played the "love to hate" role of Mayzie with a lot of zeal. Her shocking pink costume and outlandish jewelry were just perfect for her torch songs, which she belted out with near perfection. Her stage presence was always commanding and I am sure she has a bright future performing in whatever area she chooses to go. We will see more of her too.

Also, right on her coattails was another vixen type character, Sour Kangaroo, played wonderfully well by Karoline Radko. A good solid voice she also had¬ an abundance of¬ natural dancing and¬ acting¬ talent. She was backed up, as were many of the lead roles, by a dynamic group called the Bird Girls. They not only danced and sang with enthusiasm, but were there to tie the story together and were a most enjoyable and effective part of the musical. Cerena Chaney (always in character on stage and a standout), Bethany Bookout, Hannah Denny, Katy McNew, Quindessa Monts and Hannah Smith made up this performing group.

Also supporting the lead roles and playing an important part in the story line were the energetic and expressive Wickershams, played by Josiah Colle, Ian Cummings, Quinn Herron, Emily May, Chance Mayhall and Benjamin Pauls. Their orange jumpsuits had a strange connection to Ponca City and may never be used in this way again.

A truly unexpected couple of youngsters, Karin Branstetter and Brady Bookout played the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Mayor with an amazing maturity. They just looked and sounded like miniature adults and were very well cast in their roles. Both of them sang their hearts out and just couldn't have been better had they tried. I was more than impressed with their acting and their singing. (That's my sister!! :D)

Also, in the realm of the younger ones in the cast, but ones who captivated my heart, were the Whos. This group of children received tremendous applause each time they came on stage and were the "gems" of the show. They included Gracie Daine, Joshua Chrisman, Braden Floyd, Shelby Floyd, Paytan Hodgson, Emalee Kelly and Anna Montcalm. I wanted to take these cuties home with me. They sang and danced beautifully.

Space does not permit mentioning everyone on the program, but other colorful characters of note were Vlad Vladikoff, played by Blake Brown; the Grinch, by Brad Newcomb; and Yertle the Turtle, by Taylor Varner. A myriad of circus entertainers, a fun and animated group of jungle animals and colorful fish, along with some scary hungers, rounded out the cast.

I am always amazed at the talent we have in this area and am so pleased Pat Evans has made it possible for them to perform in¬ the Children's Academy of Performing Art. What a wonderful privilege it is for the budding thespians to be showcased in this way. Take your children and go enjoy this very entertaining and refreshing show.