“Oh the Things You Can Think” about OnOurOwn Productions’ of ‘Seussical’
For years, OnOurOwn Productions has carved a niche in the Fraser, MI community as a spirited incubator of family musicals, with Seussical the Musical marking its latest venture at the Fraser Performing Arts Center. Founded to entertain- OnOurOwn Productions’ goal is to bring high-quality productions to broad audiences for a fraction of what it may cost you to see national performances. Director Jerry Pokorney (who was also director of OnOurOwn Prodcutions’ Beauty and the Beast) emphasizes the importance of family both on and off the stage, hoping to spread the love of theater and the joy shows such as Seussical can bring to audiences of all ages. As this musical journeys into the world of Dr. Seuss, we’re reminded of the magic of childhood and the power that kindness can have.
Interested in learning more about what you can expect when you attend OnOurOwn Productions’ Seussical the Musical? Then gather Thing One and Thing Two, and get ready to follow The Cat in the Hat into the zany children’s book world that unfolds on stage!
[Warning: spoilers from OnOurOwn Productions’ Seussical the Musical are below!]
Dr. Seuss’ works collide in this heartfelt stage show
Instead of focusing on a single Dr. Seuss story, Seussical the Musical combines several of his well-known stories and characters into a unified narrative. With the bulk of the show adapting Horton Hears a Who and Horton Hatches an Egg, the central connective tissue lies with the forever loyal Elephant, played by Leon Anderson Jr., who is doing his best to keep his word and remain true to who he is. Hearing a whisper of a voice from a flower, Horton journeys to save the Who’s from any possible danger, while also facing ostracization from the other animals in the jungle.
His story is paralleled by that of JoJo (Cora Steiger), a Who that no one seems to understand. Viewed as a troublemaker instead of a Who deseparate for love and understanding, he’s sent away from his family to attend military school. However, as someone who’s a thinker, much like his soon-to-be friend Horton, JoJo can’t seem to stop dreaming of a better life for himself and those also living in Whoville. Together, can JoJo and Horton bridge the gap and build a better life for all parties involved? Can JoJo return to his parents and find the relationship he’s always wanted with them? Will Horton finally wake up and realize that Gertrude McFuzz (Andrea Anderson) is madly in love with him? And will the pesky Cat in the Hat (Jerry Pokorney) help all these characters reach their happy ending? You’ll have to see a production of Seussical the Musical to see just how all these stories are wrapped up!
The shining stars (upon thars) of OnOurOwns Production of Seussical the Musical
Cora Steiger’s Jojo is genuine enough—her wide-eyed innocence and heartfelt honesty in solos like “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!” show real promise. Jerry Pokorney’s Cat in the Hat brings the necessary theatrical strut and cheeky appeal one might expect to come straight out of a Suess book. Leon Anderson Jr.’s Horton provides emotional ballast—his steadfastness anchors the show’s moral center. Together, these two characters, and the actors who play them, are the emotional core of Seussical, giving audiences a glimpse at the beauty of using your mind and being kind in spite of anything to the contrary!
By contrast, Andrea Anderson as Gertrude McFuzz is an unequivocal show‑stealer. Her trajectory—timid at first, then strutting boldly through “Notice Me, Horton”—is delivered with crisp timing, honest vulnerability, and a crystalline vocal clarity. She brings dimension to a role that often tips toward caricature, charming in a way that resonates long after she exits.
What really shines is the ensemble’s infectious energy. The cast brings warmth and enthusiasm to every number, creating a joyful experience that clearly connects with its family audience. In the end, On Our Own Productions offers a colorful, spirited take on Seussical that’s full of community pride. It’s a delightful night out, especially for families, and a strong reminder of the creative potential within this growing company.
OnOurOwn Productions’ Seussical the Musical only plays for one more performance, so get those tickets now and explore a childhood favorite in a whole new way! Have you seen a production of this musical before? What is your favorite song? Let us know on social media your thoughts @boxseatbabes!
