“Seussical” the musical makes audience think, believe

“Seussical” the musical takes the audience on magical ride through the world of make believe.  Based on the works of Dr. Seuss this wonderful display of singing, dancing and acting touches the hearts of human beings from seven to 70.

“Seussical” is presented by 3-D Theatricals and is directed by David Engel with musical direction by Allen Everman T. J. Dawson is 3DT’s Executive Producer and Artistic Director.  Gretchen Dawson and Daniel Dawson are Producers and Jeanette Dawson is a Co-Producer.

The Seussical stars include former Olympic gymnastics champion Cathy Rigby as the Cat in the Hat.  After her gymnastics career ended, Rigby worked for ABC Sports for 18 years. When that ended, Rigby decided to embark on another endeavor: the performing arts.  After seven years of theatrical training Rigby has become one of the most dynamic theatre performers in America.  Her singing, dancing, acrobatic moves and crowd interaction in Seussical is simply marvelous.

One of “Seussical’s” other main stars is Matthew Downs, who plays the part of Horton, the big-hearted Elephant.  Downs, who is new to the theatre is tailor made for his character.

“Seussical is very close to me because my son really liked Dr. Seuss,” said an emotional Downs after last Sunday’s performance at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.  “We lost our son, Sam in 2008 from a very rare genetic disorder and when I saw this audition it spoke to me and luckily I got the part.  His birthday parties had Dr. Seuss themes like green eggs and ham.”

Matthew Downs, who was a police officer in Texas, decided to change careers after the death of his son.

“Seussical parallels my life in so many ways. I did not want to spend another day not doing something that was not special to me,” Downs said. “I wanted to live every moment in my son’s name and the only way to do that was to follow my dreams. It’s been magical ever since I decided to take this route.”

Down’s co-star in “Seussical” is Melanie Mockobey, who plays the part of Gertrude McFuzz, a small shy bird who is in love with Horton. Mockobey started her professional career when she was five years old so she brings years of experience to the stage.

“I really did not expect Seussical to be as emotionally impacting as it is,” said Mockobey. “It’s really been a great experience for me.  It’s great to leave the theatre knowing that I have made so many people happy and I have made myself happy.  This is why I do this.”

The other main stars include Victoria Matlock as Mayzie LaBird, Grant Westcott as the eight year JoJo, James Campbell as Mr. Mayor, Tracy Rowe Mutz as Mrs. Mayor, Amber J. Snead as the Sour Kangaroo and Gregory North as General Genghis Khan Schmitz.

There will be four more performances at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center starting this Friday at 8 p.m., two shows on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and the final show will be on Sunday at 2 p.m.