Seussical, Jr.

Synopsis
Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life
onstage in Seussical JR., a fantastical musical extravaganza. Transporting audiences from the
Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant
who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos
from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in
his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, and a trial, the
intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family,
and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Character Breakdown
The Cat In The Hat
The Cat In The Hat is the essence of mischief, fun, and imagination. The Cat stirs things
up, causes trouble, but always sets things right again, helping Jojo to discover the power
of his/her own imagination as they create the story for the show together. The Cat must
be able to play many comic cameos and be comfortable improvising with an audience.
The Cat does not need to be a strong singer, but should still have good rhythm and
timing.
Gender: Male/Female
Jojo
Jojo is a "Thinker", a smart child with a wild imagination. He/She can be played as being
a little bit awkward, a little bit of a loner, or simply a rambunctious kid whose Thinks get
him into constant trouble. By the end of the show, he/she learns what it means to be a
responsible member of his world, using the power and possibilities of his own Thinks.
He/She should be a strong singer.
Gender: Male/Female
Horton The Elephant
Horton The Elephant is a gentle giant. Think of him as a big-hearted blue-collar guy who
is steadfast, responsible and always tries to do the right thing for his friends. He is
imaginative and receptive to the world around him. He is very unselfconscious. Horton's
view of the world never changes - he believes in its goodness.
Gender: Male
Gertrude Mcfuzz
Gertrude Mcfuzz is very self-conscious and aware that her one-feather tail isn't perfect.
Gertrude changes during the show from a neurotic, nervous and shy bird into one with
the power to protect and care for a baby elephant bird and commit herself to Horton. In
other words, she stops worrying about her looks and grows up.
Gender: Female
Mayzie La Bird
Mayzie La Bird is self-centered, selfish, and vain. Mayzie will never admit to her own
flaws. She manipulates anyone she can into doing what she wants. But Mayzie isn't all
bad. In giving up her egg to Horton once and for all, she has a moment of generosity-she
realizes she isn't the kind of person who would be a good parent, and she does the best
thing she can for the egg.
Gender: Female

Sour Kangaroo
Sour Kangaroo isn't really sour at all. She's just got a lot of attitude. She's loud, brassy,
and a lot of fun.
Gender: Female

The Wickersham Brothers

The Wickersham Brothers are a lot like kids who play pranks and get a kick out of making
mischief, although often at others' expense. They enjoy hanging around with one
another, making music together on the street corner, and playing off one another.
Gender: Male/Female
The Whos
The Whos are a lot like you and me, only so small as to be invisible. They have several
chorus scenes.
Gender: Both
Mr. Mayor
Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are Whos who are parents trying hard to raise a difficult child in a
difficult world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love him dearly and try to do
the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake.
Gender: Male
Mrs. Mayor
Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are Whos who are parents trying hard to raise a difficult child in a
difficult world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love him dearly and try to do
the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake.
Gender: Female
Jungle Creatures
The Jungle Creatures are real people at heart, just like us, even though they may be
described as animal characters. They have several chorus scenes.
Gender: Both
The Grinch
One of three great smaller character roles that can be played by featured chorus
members.
Gender: Both
Yertle The Turtle
One of three great smaller character roles that can be played by featured chorus
members.
Gender: Both
Vlad Vladikoff
One of three great smaller character roles that can be played by featured chorus
members.
Gender: Both

Audition Information
**I will be having an audition workshop on Friday, January 15,
from 3:15-4:00pm in the music room. We will go over the audition
materials and what you can expect at your audition. This should be
a HUGE help!**
1. What do I need to bring?
Please bring yourself, this script, and your Audition Information Form fully filled out (you may NOT audition
without it being signed by your parent/guardian!)
2. How do I sign up for an audition?
Auditions will be done by yourself. Please sign up for a slot by the music room that best fits in your schedule.
3. How long will it take?
Auditions normally take about 4 minutes for each person. Please arrive 10 minutes early in case we are running
ahead of schedule.
4. What will I need to do at the audition?
A. SingingI would like everyone to sing the Green Eggs and Ham selection. If you would like to be
considered for a major character, I would ask that in addition, GIRLS also sing Notice Me, Horton and
BOYS sing Its Possible.
B. ActingI will ask you to read one of the parts below as the character would say it. I will then ask
you to read the part as different people or with a different emotion (i.e. King of England, sad, shy, Valley
girl, energetic, etc). Please be prepared to read either one! Please show me acting instead of just
reading it.
Part A:
JOJO
Now that is a very unusual hat.
I wonder what's under a hat such as that.
It could be a creature they call the Ga-Zat
Who balances things on his head, 'cause it's flat.
Or a stripe-loving Pipester from Upper Mount Bat.
Or a sort of a kind of a hat-wearing Cat!

Part B:
HORTON
That bird let that clover drop somewhere inside
Of a great patch of clovers, a hundred miles wide!
I'll find it. I'll find it! I'll find it or bust!
Well, I shall find my friends on their small speck of dust.
Yes, clover by clover by clover with care
I'll listen and call, are you there? Are you there?
(HORTON begins his search for the WHOS clover by clover.)

Friday, April 22 at 7:00pm

Saturday, April 23 at 7:00pm
Audition Information Form
Name: _______________________________________

Grade: _______

1. Please list any shows in which you have participated. Please list the title of the show, character, and the year in
which the show was performed:
Example: ___Alice in Wonderland, Jr.___________________________Alice________________Fall 2012
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Please list any extracurricular activities that you are involved in at CONCORDIA (sports, clubs, etc). This is very
important when I put together the rehearsal schedule. Please be accurate!:
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Please list any extracurricular activities that you are involved in OUTSIDE of Concordia and what times these
activities meet (dance, boy scouts, travel sports teams, swim, etc). PLEASE ATTACH A SCHEDULE IF
THATS EASIER:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

4. Please list any dates when you will be out of town/vacations between January 25-April 23. In order to be cast in
the show, students must be available for BOTH performances: Friday, April 22 at 7:00pm and Saturday,
April 23 at 7:00pm.

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________

5. Please list any characters that you would be interested in playing (*Note that if you are cast, this is a
commitment that you make, no matter what part you get. Every part is important!*)
_______________________________________________________________________

(Turn over)

Parent/Guardian Name: ____________________________________________

Phone Number: ____________________

Email: ______________________

Best way to reach you:

Email

Phone

Text

I would love to be able to use the talents of our parents as well! Below are several things that I will need
your help with throughout our production. An asterisk is next to each job based on how much time you
can expect to devote to it. This also counts towards your Three for Thee hours.
*=about 1-2 hours
**=about 3-4 hours
***= more than 4 hours
*Dessert theatre ______

*Serving Dinners _____

**Set Construction _____

*Program Creator _____

***Costumes _____

**Painting _____

*Make-up _____

***Sound Operator _____

**Lighting _____

*Hair _____

*Sewing _____

*Videographer _____

*Photographer _____

*Marketing/Poster Design _____

There is also a $20 Drama Fee for all students who are cast. This is
used for a script and CD that will be theirs to keep, as well as some
costume pieces and some makeup.
Students who are cast are expected to participate no matter what
part they get. That means if they audition and really want to be
Horton, but are cast as a Jungle Citizen, they are committed to
taking that part.
Please also note that students are expected to be at every
rehearsal for which they are scheduled. I try to make the schedule
based around the conflicts that are given to me, and students will

be behind if they miss any rehearsals. If a student has 2

unexcused absences from a rehearsal, they may be pulled from the
production.
Parent/Guardians: I understand what is expected of my child during this production, and that this is a
commitment that they are expected to uphold until the performances. I also understand that should my
child receive a part, there will be a $20 drama fee for their script and CD, payable to Concordia.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________
Student: I understand the commitment and hard work that goes into putting on an outstanding
performance. I will stay focused and ready to work during rehearsals and will show up on time. I will
take part in the production no matter what part I receive. I will let Miss Hartmann know if I have any
conflicts with the rehearsal schedule. I will do my best to glorify God through my words and actions
during this production.
Student Signature: __________________________________

*Bring this with you to your audition! Make sure both sides are completely filled out*