To review Seussical with the cliché of rhyme,
Like the Dr. himself did in his time,
To talk of Dave Kelly as The Cat In The Hat,
Who is quite entertaining, and really all that,
Or the amazing performers whose incredible singing,
to hearts young and old much joy they were bringing,
Sadly my poetry pales to Seuss,
So it is time to cut this format loose.

I will certainly not be confused with Dr. Seuss anytime soon. The actors in Seussical: The Musical however, do great service to the iconic children’s author. The annual family show at Alberta Theatre Projects is so enjoyable that even my musical-hating partner - agreeing to see the show out of a established tradition of taking my friend’s daughters every years - grudgingly admitted that it was really good. It is the highest praise I can give to a musical when Brendan says he enjoyed it.

Much of the marketing has focused on former Breakfast TV host Dave Kelly as The Cat in the Hat. Kelly tackles the role with gusto. Some of the improvisational scenes, including an auction of Horton the Elephant, and a news segment ("It’s been about a year since I was on TV!" he quipped, holding a microphone with the number 8) displayed his comedic timing and talent. While not the strongest singer in the show, Kelly holds his own, presenting the cat in the right amount of camp without being over the top.

The show also features two young stars: Marcus Trummer played JoJo for the opening night performance, and alternates with Kyle Dewsnap, whose name alone screams "actor." These two kids could be a big part of the future of theatre in Calgary, and it was wonderful watching Trummer sing and do choreography to an audience that had many kids his own age in it. Perhaps he and Dewsnap will inspire other kids into participating in, or supporting the arts.

Seussical is primarily a retelling of Horton Hears a Who. Horton is played brilliantly by Sheldon Bergstrom, who makes it easy to slip into the belief that a big silly elephant is lumbering around on stage. Ksenia Thurgood plays Gertrude the bird, Horton’s neighbour who has a crush on him, and as always is an absolute pleasure to watch and listen to.

   Seussical: The Musical is a true family event - adults and kids alike will love the show. With the thrust staging that leads out into the audience, you become drawn into this world so much that you may even get a face full of tail feathers from Mayzie the bird. Whether accompanied by children, or just out for an evening as an adult, Seussical: The Musical is a must-see this holiday.