Seussical cast member of the performance

The theatrical company I volunteer for is doing a touring show of Seussical: The Musical to the local elementary schools. We have just did our fourth production with thus far being one show a week. We are shortly heading into a week off due to the local TCAP test, but after that we are also going to be doing two shows a week soon.

I am going to pick my “MVA” Most Valuable actor of each performance. Just a note, after one wins, they are ineledgable to win again till everyone has the MVA Award.

First show: The MVA was Jonathan Stephens as Cat in the Hat. Jonathan has a very useful skill. He is able to kick it into overdrive when he is on stage. No matter how he feels, he can give 110%. However, being a perfectionist, he never feels that he gives enough, no matter how good he is. Jonathan is a ball of energy when performing, and is a very talented actor and singer. Congrats Jonathan.

Seconds show: Parker Bunch is the child that plays Jojo, the mayor of Whoville’s son. Parker starts the show, and for the kids that watch, they see a child not too much older than they are doing this role, and it gives them the idea, “Hey maybe I can do this too!” Parker also brings a nice childlike fun to us as well. When he is around, yes we try to be on our best behavior. However, he can make any of us laugh at just about anything. So far, this is his seconds show with Encore Theatrical company, as his first was as Ralphie Parker in “A Christmas Story”. Parker is also home schooled, so don’t worry, he isn’t cutting classes.

Third Show: Adam Malone. Adam plays Horton the Elephant. For this show, I rally dont know how Adam could do it. He was EXTREMELY sick. So sick in fact that as the assistant director of our main stage show “Annie” he missed the tech rehearsal the day before as well. Adam is the perfect choice for Horton. Like Horton, Adam is dependable, loyal, and extremely polite.. to anyone but his friends.. LOL. Honestly, Adam is known as one of the real nice guys in the theatre. When something goes wrong, he is the first to attempt to fix it without making it obvious.

Fourth show: Laureeann Porter who portrays “Mayzie La Bird” gets the nod this week. She was the most improved this week. Either from being nervous or something for the past few performances, she was never able to get her songs out right. There were some dead spots while the music was going, but those who didn’t know the script or have it in front of them would have never known. Even in the song “Biggest Blame Fool”, she was not even saying her name right. She was calling herself, Gertrude McFuzz, which was the name of another character in the play. However, it came across as Mayzie was making fun of Gertrude in the song, as her solo was right after Susan’s who plays Gertrude. Lauranne nailed all her songs this week, and got her name right on the song as well. I just wished it was a better week for me, as the soundtech the gymnasium was so small, that if I used our wireless microphones, I would have caused nothing but a constant feedback loop.

fifth Show: Susan Christophel, who protrays Gertrude M cFuzz. susan was one of the first who seemed to know her stuff. However, right before we opened, the director threw her a curve by having her come out the other side of the backdrop. Now that might be a simple thing to most of us, but for some once they learn blocking (moving on stage), but for some they have to be force themselves to remember to change. However, Susan, if she ever messes up, she covers it so well.

Sixth Show: Ashlee Moore, who is The Sour Kangaroo. Ashlee just has a killer voice. She is a powerhouse of a singer, and as an actress. If I were to list the good things that she does, this blog would never end.

Seventh Show: Dave Scharr and Brends Ciccone, the mayor of Who ad his wife. Dave, being that he has done three shows in the past six months is a powerhouse. He and his real life wife, Brenda are two people that just bring joy to whatever they do. Dave has been especially helpful with loading and set up. Brenda is always asking if she can help when we tear down, and load in. You can’t get two better people.

Eighth show: Traci Howerton, a bird girl. She has been pretty helpful with stuff, as she allowed us to use two of her old classic Peevy speakers as monitors. she is also in a band, tho I have never heard them sing. She does bring a bubbly attitude and sense of humor that really is needed after we start tearing down.

ninth show: James Templin (Wikersham brother) and Amy Weeks (bird girl) has both been very helpful on the course of getting this show put together. They have both painted and built a lot of the sets and hand props that we used that needed to be made. They also have been there for most of the load and setup. They both might not be the best singers int he world, but they make up for it in their work ethic and willingness to help everyone.

Tenth show: Daniel Munson (Wickersham & Judge Yurdle the Turle). Daniel is the tour manager. He is the ones who signs us into the schools when we arrive, and he is the one who is buisly making sure evwerything is done before the kids load in. Besides being the tour manager, he is also the stage manager, and he has done all parts he has needed to do very well. He is also one of the few people who has been there to load in for most of the shows.  Only Daniel Dave, an d myself have been there that many times. James, Jonathan, and Adam have helped a lot. However since the college semester has ended it has been impossible for Adam or Jonathan to help,a s they both have to drive nearly an hour to get here from their homes.

Well, that’s it. Seussical: The Musical is over and done with. I am glad that it’s over, and glad that I was along for the ride. While there were a few times when I just was about to say “screw it” you see and hear the kids.. See them brighten up when the show starts, and their cheers when the final bows are taking place.. While I wont be offering to help load up set pieces for anymore touring shows, director Micah-Shane Brewer knows that  i will gladly help for those shows if i am able.