Keeping in step with the times is difficult for any theatre company, Why Not? Musical Theatre Company have managed to stay totally up to date mirroring the cinematic release of the film  “Horton Hears A Who!” starring Jim Carrey.  They present the Carnegie Hall premiere of ‘Seussical The Musical, based on the books of Dr Seuss, published between 1937 and 1991, originally performed in America in 2000.

Why Not? Musical Theatre company may not have the high flying stars you will find in the film but they do have Graeme Melvin, Theresa Puddefoot and Alan Gibson as producers, director, choreographer and musical director.  This trio together can create productions, which rival those on both Broadway and in The West End.  They are able to mould the youngsters they work with into well-oiled enjoyable finished products.

This cast vary widely in experience but this is not obvious from the performances given on the opening night.  As with most youth productions it seems a little unfair to mention some of the cast and not mention everyone, but I want to cover most of the main parts.  Horton The Elephant is played sensitively by Adam Sawers who has a very imaginative trunk and a reasonable voice.  Jojo, the youngest citizen of Whoville, Justine Vandermotten has a lovely voice and plays the part of the young boy beautifully. Gertrude McFuzz , the plain bird neighbour of Horton who has been in love with him forever played by Rebecca McNiff. Rebecca had a main role in last years production and she continues her leading role run in a very different character which gives her the opportunity to display her numerous talents. Amber Russell as Sour Kangaroo and Emma Steedman as Mayzie La Bird display their unique vocal and dance talents.  Other notable main characters are Rhys Turner as The Mayor of Whoville, Ashley McIlroy as Mrs Mayor, Joseph Hannan as General Genghis Khan Schmitz and Colin Young as The Grinch.  Finally, last but not least Amy Stuart, as The Cat In The Hat mainly seen as the narrator but also as the catalyst which  causes all of the trouble we see on stage. Amy comes over as a very confident and competent young performer who enjoys her character.

The set is fairly simple and is fully utilised thanks to the excellent direction and choreography, it is a sheer delight to watch 40+ people moving around the stage in time with the music seemingly effortlessly and obviously enjoying the experience.  How Graeme and Theresa do it we just don’t know but feel other companies could perhaps take note.  Lighting effects and minimal props and stage settings add to the illusion. The reasonable sized orchestra is hidden upstage behind a drape.  Despite being a somewhat unknown musical ,Why Not? have produced  a show which is enjoyable to watch and obviously a joy to perform.  For further information see either www.whynotmtc.co.uk   or the Carnegie Hall website.  

All at one4review would like to give a special thank you to Stuart McNiff who allowed us to use a selection of his wonderful production photos to illustrate this review. Thanks

Why Not?  Musical Theatre Company present

Seussical The Musical

Wednesday 2nd to Saturday 5th April 2008 at The Carnegie Hall Dunfermline Fife  7-15 pm Nightly