New York critics may have panned Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens’ “Seussical the Musical,” but I’ve always considered it an uplifting, clever, colorful and tuneful evening of musical theater, appropriate for all ages.
The stories are based on the beloved stories penned by Theodor (Dr. Seuss) Geisel, who lived in La Jolla. It will not surprise readers to learn that one of the show’s hit tunes is “Green Eggs & Ham.”
There are many reasons for seeing this particular “Seussical the Musical” (through July 9 only!) at Vista’s Brengle Terrace. It is fluidly and swiftly staged by David Engel and Moonlight Stage Productions Artistic Director Kathy Brombacher.
Their cast is superb, beginning with 12-year-old Troy Hussman as Jo Jo, the boy who stumbles into Whoville and helps save the tiny planet along with Horton the Elephant, appealingly played by Justin Robertson. Eric Vest, so marvelous during Moonlight’s winter season as Herman in “Most Happy Fella,” portrays the show’s guide, the Cat in the Hat.
Christa Jackson is adorable as Gertrude McFuzz, the jungle bird who loves Horton.
The costumes are colorful, Engel’s choreography fine, and Moonlight is a comfortable, intimate outdoor venue, a perfect place to cool off on these warm summer evenings.
Curtain is 8 p.m. (gates open at 6:30) tonight through Sunday at Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista.
Tickets, which are $15-$34, are available by visiting www.vistixonline.com or calling (760) 724-2110.