By Matthew Sims
Casey youngsters and those young at heart are encouraged to dive into the weird, wacky and wonderful world of Dr Seuss as the Windmill Theatre Company is bringing Seussical to Bunjil Place later this month.
Opening next Friday 9 June, the show will be running with a mixture of matinees and evening performances until Sunday 18 June.
Weaving through a number of Seuss’ tales of whim and wonder, the story focuses on the plight of Horton the elephant, who finds a small speck which he soon discovers is a small planet.
Emilie Toby is playing Gertrude McFuzz, a shy but determined little bird with a one-feather tail who strives for Horton’s attention.
“It is very exciting,“ she said.
“It’s been really fun to play Gertrude.“
Toby said it is rewarding to unpack Gertrude’s journey towards realising that her looks are not the most important thing.
“It’s really about what’s inside that counts,“ she said.
Toby said director Sean van Geyzel is working well with the cast and production team to bring the story to life.
“He’s got such a clear idea of the show,“ she said.
“He’s been keeping us grounded.“
The show will feature a live orchestra, as well as colourful sets and costumes.
Toby said Dr Seuss’ stories still have a lot of valuable messages for audiences of all ages.
“It’s definitely about standing up for what you believe in,“ she said.
Aidan Niarros is taking on The Cat in the Hat and said he was looking forward to diving headfirst into bringing the world of Dr Seuss onto the Bunjil Place stage.
“It’s a fund, silly, wild ride,“ he said.
“It’s such a fun role.“
Often portrayed as an agent of chaos, Niarros said he thought The Cat in the Hat was more of a facilitator of fun.
“I think it’s great for young kids to embrace their imagination and go where it takes them,“ he said.
“You’re in control of your own mind.“
Niarros said the sets were among the show’s many highlights.
“The set is what I imagine a child thinks a theatre set would look like,“ he said.
“The costuming looks fantastic.“
Adult tickets are available from $40.
To purchase tickets, visit www.windmilltheatre.com.au
