‘Seussical the Musical’ at Flint Community Players – A Whimsical, Colorful Celebration of Heart and Imagination
Now in its 95th season, Flint Community Players continues to demonstrate why it remains a cornerstone of the region’s cultural life. Their most recent production of Seussical the Musical, directed by Diana Waara and musically directed by Zachary Nash, is a vibrant, heartfelt, and inclusive celebration of imagination, individuality, and community. Performed with flair and sincerity, it reminds us that even the smallest voice can make the biggest difference.
Drawing from the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss, Seussical merges several beloved stories—primarily Horton Hears a Who! and Horton Hatches the Egg—and threads them together with a musical score that is as catchy as it is emotionally resonant. The creative team has succeeded in translating this fantastical world onto the stage with a colorful set, expressive lighting, and dazzling costumes that evoke the pages of Seuss’s iconic books.
[Warning: Spoilers from Flint Community Players’ production of Seussical the Musical are below!]
A standout cast in a standout production of Seussical the Musical
Kira Parker leads the narrative magic as The Cat in the Hat, bringing a magnetic energy to the stage. Parker is endlessly watchable, sliding between narrator, mischief-maker, and supporting characters with a gleeful sense of chaos that never tips into caricature. Their chemistry with the audience keeps the pace quick and the tone playful, while also grounding the story’s more poignant moments with a wry smile and knowing glance.
At the emotional heart of the show is Tyler Schachinger as Horton the Elephant. Schachinger brings gentle warmth and quiet strength to the role, with a resonant baritone that truly shines in songs like “Alone in the Universe” and “Solla Sollew.” His performance is infused with empathy, making Horton’s steadfast belief in the unseen Whos deeply moving.
Camrynn LeMay is luminous as Jojo, the imaginative young Who, whose “thinks” drive much of the narrative’s emotional and thematic arc. LeMay brings a balance of innocence and intelligence to the role, delivering each line and lyric with conviction and nuance well beyond her years. Her duet with Horton, “Alone in the Universe,” is one of the evening’s highlights, a beautifully vulnerable and tender moment showcasing the show’s heart.
Kristen Rossiter, as Gertrude McFuzz, is equally impressive. Her portrayal of the bird with the one-feathered tail is earnest, quirky, and ultimately triumphant. Rossiter’s comedic timing lands perfectly, but it’s her journey of self-acceptance and loyalty that makes the performance sing. Her number “Notice Me, Horton” is filled with longing and heart.
Adding diva energy and comedic flash, Olivia Dellorso commands the stage as Mayzie LaBird. Dellorso’s confident and campy portrayal strikes the right balance between selfish and sympathetic. “Amayzing Mayzie” is a showstopper, and her vibrant costume and larger-than-life presence make her scenes pop with color and attitude.
The formidable Lele Miller as Sour Kangaroo delivers powerhouse vocals and a commanding presence, anchoring the opposition to Horton with sharp comedic timing and a no-nonsense attitude. Alongside Maxx Popadich as Little Kangaroo, the duo provides a funny yet pointed counterbalance to Horton’s earnestness.
Alex Rossiter brings swagger and theatrical bravado to General Genghis Khan Schmitz, leading the cadets in “Military Academy” with flair and focus. His performance, especially opposite Jojo, adds a layer of satirical bite that highlights the musical’s commentary on conformity and authority.
As the Mayor and Mayoress of Whoville, LeRoy Russ and Ellen Yope offer endearing portrayals that capture both the whimsy and the worry of parenthood. Their duet, “How to Raise a Child,” walks the line between comic and heartfelt, giving their relationship depth beyond the cartoony surface.
Community theater at its most imaginative
One of the most notable aspects of this production is the sense of community and collaboration that radiates from every scene. The ensemble is strong and cohesive, navigating high-energy group numbers like “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!” and “It’s Possible” with enthusiasm and clarity. The choreography is lively and inventive without being overly complex, leaving room for character work and expression.
Zachary Nash’s musical direction deserves special mention. The cast delivers crisp harmonies and confident solos, with musical storytelling always taking precedence over flashy vocal acrobatics. Nash ensures the musical numbers serve the plot and characters first, enhancing the show’s heart and emotional stakes.
Director Diana Waara has crafted a production that walks the line between spectacle and sincerity. While the stage bursts with visual delights—bright costumes, clever set pieces, Seussian flourishes—it never loses sight of the story’s central messages about loyalty, courage, and the power of imagination.
A welcome focus on accessibility at Flint Community Players
Flint Community Players continues to lead by example in community engagement. Offering a sensory-friendly performance as part of the run demonstrates their commitment to inclusive and accessible theater. It’s an important step forward for regional productions and reflects the values of the show itself, recognizing and celebrating every voice, no matter how small.
Final Thoughts on Seussical the Musical
Seussical, the Musical at Flint Community Players, is a joyous, spirited, and deeply human production. With strong direction, a powerhouse cast, and a clear love for both the source material and the audience, this is community theater at its best. Whether you’re young or young-at-heart or just in need of some Seussian whimsy, this production is a delightful, meaningful ride through imagination and heart.
While Whoville and Seussical the Musical might have moved on from Flint Community Players, this wonderful community theater has much more to offer, such as An Adult Evening With Shel Silverstein! Check out Flint Community Players’ website for more information about what’s coming up!
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