Culture
ZCT Opens ‘Seussical’ July 21
< < Back toThe Cat in the Hat and all of his friends are coming to the Zanesville Community Theatre this weekend and next in the family musical Seussical. There will be 8 p.m. performances on July 21, 21, 27 and 28, with 2:30 matinees on Sunday, July 22 and 29 at the 940 Findley Avenue theatre.
Seussical is a musical to be enjoyed by all, “from the biggest of big to the smallest of small”. It weaves many of Dr. Seuss’ best-loved tales into a story of determination, love, creativity and friendship, and includes many memorable songs as well. Seussical has a cast of over 50, both adults and children, including many multiple family members.
The ring leader, master of ceremonies and disguises, The Cat in the Hat is played by Stephen Hendershott. JoJo, a curious Who full of curious “thinks” is played by Maddie Gantzer. Shelby Stotts is seen as the ever loyal Horton the Elephant. Cary Underwood portrays Gertrude McFuzz, the bird with the one-feather tale, who pines for Horton. Mayzie LaBird is played by Sarah Gantzer, with a flirtatious Latin flair. Bryce Seaborn is playing the Sour Kangaroo, with Alonna Hendershott as the Young Kangaroo. Kevin and Dee McCarthy are seen as Mr. and Mrs. Mayor of Whoville, and JoJo’s parents.
The raucous Wickersham Brothers, who cause chaos wherever they go, are played by Coen Cox and Gordon Joseph McKnight. The Bird Girls form a chorus to comment on all the action, and are played by Julia Ganzter, Ella Hartman, Linda Hatfield, Jadyn Hendershott, Nancy Hynds and Christy Rahrig. Colleen Piccone and Alaina Wahl are Thing #1 and Thing #2.The warlike General Ghenghis Khan Schmitz is being played by Kevin Rahrig. Jay Shaffstall appears as the evil eagle, Vlad Vladikov and Caleb Silvia is seen as the Grinch. The Lorax is being played by Grayson Gantzer and Josiah Gross is Yertle the Turtle. The remaining ensemble includes Abby Bugglin, Liddie Bugglin, Sophie Cover, Claire Gross, Lydia Gross, Margaret Hemphill-Wysong, Cady Hendershott, Paige Johnson, Joseph Jordan, Reese Kornovich, Joshua Lightle, Mia McCarthy, Riley McNeil, Gigi Nordine, Allie Norman, Amelia Olinger-Shaffstall, Madison Revennaugh, Alaina Roberts, Rory Sandlund, Luc Scott, Minh Chou Scott, Minh-Lien Scott, Minh-Phoyong Scott, Natalie Stewart, Evie Swick, Dominik Van Nort, Peyton Van Nort, Lauren Wahl, Stephanie Wahl, Maggie Ward, Becca Wilson, and Hannah Wilson.
As always, the Zanesville Community Theatre uses a live orchestra to accompany the onstage performance. The orchestra for Seussical includes Sheryl Wise and Tom Tompkins on keyboard; Mary Beth Ward on bass; Bill Albright on percussion; Chase Anderson on guitar; Sharon Evans on cello; Sue Barzda, Cameron Scott and Amber Allen on woodwinds; Brandon Barnes and Gavin Newton on trumpet and Mason Melick on trombone.
Seussical is recommended for the whole family. To purchase tickets or for more information, phone the theatre box office at 740-455-6487 or visit www.zct.org. The Zanesville Community Theatre is handicap accessible.