About:

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical JR., a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.  Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.  Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!

Roles:

Jojo/Boy: A "Thinker." He's a smart child with a wild imagination. JoJo 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 community, using the power and possibilities of his own "Thinks." JoJo can easily be played by a young girl or boy.

Vocal range top: B4

Vocal range bottom: Ab3

The Cat in the Hat: The essence of mischief, fun, and imagination. The Cat stirs things up and causes trouble but always sets things right again. He helps JoJo discover the power of his own imagination as they create the story of Seussical JR. together.

Vocal range top: D5

Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Horton the Elephant: A gentle giant. Think of Horton as a big-hearted, blue-collar guy who is steadfast, responsible, and always tries to do the right thing. He is sympathetic and receptive to the world around him. He believes in the inherent goodness of the world, so it's no surprise that he always looks for the good in others. Horton goes on quite a journey throughout the show but stays true to himself, even when the going gets tough.

Vocal range top: E4

Vocal range bottom: A2

Mr. Mayor & Mrs Mayor:  parents trying hard to raise a child with a big imagination. These Whos may get aggravated with JoJo, but they love him dearly. They try their best to make the right choices as parents, even if JoJo doesn't always understand them. They are also upstanding members of their community.

Mr. Vocal range top: E4

Vocal range bottom: C3

Mrs. Vocal range top: Bb4

Vocal range bottom: A3

Gertrude McFuzz: Very self-conscious about her one-feather tail. Gertrude gains confidence throughout the show, changing from an anxious, nervous, shy bird into someone whose self-worth doesn't rest on her appearance. In other words, Gertrude realizes what's truly important in her life.

Vocal range top: Eb5

Vocal range bottom: F#3

Mayzie La Bird: Self-centered, vain, and manipulative. She ultimately means no harm, but she's immature and makes selfish decisions. In giving up her egg to Horton once and for all, she has a moment of self- awareness - she realizes she isn't the kind of bird who would be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can for the egg.

Vocal range top: Eb5

Vocal range bottom: G#3

Wickersham Brothers: not bad guys! They tease, play pranks, and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at another's expense.

Vocal range top: B3

Vocal range bottom: Ab2

Bird Girls: a fabulous group of birds who know everything there is to know about the goings on in the jungle and support Mayzie throughout the show.

Vocal range top: B4

Vocal range bottom: A3

Sour Kangaroo: Loud, brassy, and a lot of fun. She's got a lot of attitude but isn't mean - she's just very confident and unafraid to tell it like it is.

Vocal range top: Eb5

Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Young Kangaroo: Sour Kangaroo's feisty daughter. She may be pint- sized, but she's got a big personality and is following in her mother's footsteps.

Judge Yertle the Turtle: the authoritative judge who presides over Horton's trial at the end of the show.

Vocal range top: F5

Vocal range bottom: F3

Vlad Vladikoff:  eagle who flies off with the Whos. Vlad is onstage very briefly and doesn't sing

The Grinch: arguably the most famous Seuss character of all! He has a brief, fun cameo in Seussical JR.

Vocal range top: B3

Vocal range bottom: F3

The Whos: are the citizens of Whoville and they look a lot like you and me, only so small they are invisible to the naked eye. They are a tight-knit, supportive community.

Ensemble: The Jungle Citizens, Hunters, Circus Animals, Fish, Nurses, Courtroom Attendants, additional Wickersham Brothers and Bird Girls all help fill out the world Seussical JR.

Preparation:

No advance preparation required.

During each audition group, the attendees will be taught a selection of music as a group. Each attendee will have the opportunity to perform that selection as an audition. Attendees will also be asked to read a selection from the script.

Directors will be assessing vocal ability and voice projection.

Rehearsals:

A “responsible grown-up” meeting will be held the first week of June. Materials will be distributed at that time, or arrangements made for pick up if not in attendance. Rehearsals will begin July 6. Details will be discussed at the meeting and sent via email after cast announcements.

Rehearsals will be during the week at the Booker T Washington Bldg in Franklin.

Questions may be directed to: OTPFranklinIN@gmail.com