MANSFIELD — Kennadi Knipp and Makenzie Wynn bring to life the opposite ends of the Dr. Seuss universe in “Seussical the Musical Jr.” at the Mansfield Playhouse.
Or rather, it’s the bird characters the two teens portray as Gertrude McFuzz (Knipp) and Mayzie La Bird (Wynn) that differ dramatically in the youth production of the original full-length “Seussical” that premiered on Broadway in 2000.
The 13-year-old Knipp and the 16-year-old Wynn — both Madison students and stage veterans at tender ages –help lead the 36-member cast in the musical that opens Friday night for a two-weekend run at the 95 E. Third St. community theater.
Ticket information
Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $10 for students (18 and under).
Tickets may purchased through the box office Wednesday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and one hour prior to each production by calling 419 522-2883.
Tickets may also be purchased online at MansfieldPlayhouse.com
They serve as foils to each other, a dynamic that involves both indirect competition and contrast in personality, appearance and growth.
Audiences would expect nothing less from the mind of Dr. Seuss, the pen name of Theodor Seuss Geisel, an American author and illustrator best known for creating imaginative children’s books filled with rhyme, humor and memorable characters.
Born in 1904, in Springfield, Mass., he wrote and illustrated more than 60 books, including classics such as “The Cat in the Hat,” “Green Eggs and Ham” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
As Mansfield Playhouse Artistic Director Doug Wertz said, “Who doesn’t love Dr. Seuss?”
“He wrote just classic children’s books, children’s stories, that often have wonderful, messages … lifetime messages, as far as I’m concerned,” he said.
“He always has something that’s inspiring or encouraging to children. And he does it in rhyme … that was long before rap,” Wertz said with a laugh. “It’s a very popular show, but I don’t think the Playhouse has done it since 2013.
“It’s a very popular musical and the music is just fantastic. Of course, when you get the kids that have the talent, and, and I say this all the time, the kids just amaze me as they grow up and what they can bring.”
He said it’s a delightful way to conclude the Playhouse’s historic 100th season, which began in September and included 10 shows. One of them was a cooperative effort with OSU-Mansfield on the production of the musical, “1776.”
“I think we’ve had wonderful shows all year long,” he said.
What is the story behind “Seussical the Musical Jr.?”
A colorful cast of beloved characters, larger-than-life imagination and timeless lessons about friendship and acceptance take center stage in “Seussical the Musical Jr.,” a family-friendly production inspired by the works of acclaimed children’s author Dr. Seuss.
The musical weaves together many of Seuss’ most memorable stories, creating a fast-paced adventure filled with music, humor and heart. At the center of the story is Horton the Elephant, a kind and loyal hero who discovers a tiny world known as Whoville living on a speck of dust. Despite ridicule from those around him, Horton is determined to protect the Whos and prove that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.”
Along the way, audiences encounter familiar characters including the mischievous Cat in the Hat, Horton’s neighbor Mayzie La Bird, and Jojo, a young Who whose imagination often gets him into trouble. Together, the characters navigate challenges that celebrate individuality, courage and believing in oneself.
Packed with energetic songs, vibrant costumes and playful storytelling, the show captures the spirit of Dr. Seuss’ classic books while delivering an uplifting message for audiences of all ages. The production combines elements from favorites such as “Horton Hears a Who!” “Horton Hatches the Egg,” “The Cat in the Hat,” “Gertrude McFuzz,” and “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!”
Designed specifically for young performers, the junior adaptation features a streamlined script while preserving the charm and excitement of the original Broadway musical. The result is a lively theatrical experience that showcases creativity, teamwork and the power of imagination.
The characters Knipp and Wynn portray provide the kind of canvas on which Dr. Seuss loved to paint with his words.
Here is more detail on some of the young performers audiences will meet:
Knipp will be an eighth-grader at Madison Junior High
Knipp, who will be in the eighth grade this fall at Madison Junior High, has performed previously at the Mansfield Playhouse, as well as the Renaissance Theatre and community theaters in Ashland and Galion.
Her theater flame was lit after attending a performance of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.” at the Playhouse nine years ago.
“I was like, ‘This is so cool. I want to do it.’ After that, I just started performing,” she said.
Knipp auditioned for the show with the goal of playing Gertrude, who starts out as Horton’s shy, anxious and self-conscious next-door neighbor bird. Along the way, Gertrude develops confidence, learns that self-worth isn’t based on appearance and becomes brave and devoted.
“I really wanted this role. I was really excited to hear that I got it and just so stoked. I like Gertrude because she has like this awkward-type attitude that normally characters don’t have.
“Normally they’re confident and she just is a lot different,” said Knipp, who also praised the show’s music.
“The music is so fun. It’s very energetic. It’s upbeat and just very different from other shows,” she said.
Knipp, who takes vocal and tap-dance classes, said she also enjoys working with younger cast members, some as young as 5 years old.
“I love the little kids. They are so sweet and I just love helping them and performing with them,” she said.
Knipp would like to turn her avocation into a vocation one day.
“I want to major in theater at a college … or go straight to Broadway, if I can,” she said.
Wynn has performed in ‘Seussical’ in the past
Like Knipp, Wynn is also a theater veteran. A junior at Madison Comprehensive High School in the fall, it’s her fourth year of shows at the Playhouse and she has also performed at the Renaissance.
She is familiar with “Seussical Jr.”
“I was already a part of it before, a couple of years ago at The Ren, and I loved the music, and I thought it was a cute show,” she said.
Wynn was attracted to the outspoken role of Mayzie.
“I like playing sassy characters. It’s more fun to have a bigger personality like that,” she said, also complimenting the show’s music.
“It’s very dramatic, kind of jazzy, some of the songs,” Wynn said.
She is active at Madison in tennis and track and also as a cheerleader. She plans to pursue the stage after graduating from the school on Esley Lane.
“I want to continue musical theater and acting,” Wynn said.
Graycen Stevens IS the Cat in the Hat
Graycen Stevens helps to hold the two birds, and the entire cast, together in his role as the Cat in the Hat. He is the show’s narrator, guide and master storyteller. The character serves as the link between the audience and the imaginative world created from the stories of Seuss.
Because the show combines many Dr. Seuss stories into one musical, the Cat helps weave together characters from different books, including Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird and the Whos of Whoville.
The 15-year-old homeschooled student from Bucyrus will be entering his sophomore year of high school in the fall.
Stevens has appeared in as many as 10 plays at the Playhouse and has also performed at the Renaissance.
“Seussical has always been one of my favorite shows. The Cat in the Hat is the role that I auditioned for. I always love playing characters that are zany, kooky and who love doing random things.
“Cat in the Hat’s always been that kind of an all-out-there character, so it’s been one of my dream roles. And when I heard Playhouse is doing the show, I definitely got excited to try out for that,” Stevens said.
Like all of the more experienced actors in Playhouse youth shows, Stevens enjoys the chance to work with younger performers.
“The younger kids are great. I really like working with them. They’ve got such personalities, and it’s really nice to see them grow,” Stevens said.
A piano player who enjoys being creative in various mediums, Stevens said he would love to pursue a career in the acting community.
“I’d love to be a voice actor. I do think I will continue to do as many live theater shows as I can. It’s really an art,” Stevens said.
Gabriel Anderson found unexpected fun as Horton
Gabriel Anderson, 13, plays the role of Horton, the musical’s moral center — the character who teaches audiences that kindness, loyalty and believing in others matter, even when the world thinks you’re wrong.
The Mansfield Christian School student is in his fifth Playhouse show, in addition to performing at the Renaissance and the Richland Academy of the Arts.
He saw “Seussical” at the Renaissance a couple of years ago and came away impressed with the characters.
“The people … they’re so kind. I liked the show and I haven’t been in it yet, so I wanted to try out,” Anderson said, though the role of Horton was not one he considered.
“I actually did not want to be Horton. I just was wanting to be cast in the show. And then I got this role, so I was very excited when they told me.
“Horton is very reserved. He’s not the kind of person you think would help other people because he doesn’t really talk to people. But then he gets out of his comfort zone and is like, ‘You know what, I’m going to go out of my way to save these people that no one else believes are there.'”
“He has a lot of different emotions that I have to play, so that’s very hard,” Anderson said.
Anderson, a math and science lover in school, likes to play soccer and swim when not on stage. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends.
He would be interested in acting after high school, though he also feels the draw of the medical science world.
“I would like to help other people. I would like to help develop different medicines and make different cures to other things,” Anderson said.
(Below are photos taken Monday night during a dress rehearsal of “Seussical the Musical Jr.” at the Mansfield Playhouse. The story continues below the photos.)
Cast List:
Brian McCready — Jojo
Graycen Stevens — Cat in the Hat
Gabriel Anderson — Horton
Adon Burton — Mr. Mayor
Sofia Thompson — Mrs. Mayor
Kennadi Knipp — Gertrude McFuzz
Makenzie Wynn — Mayzie La Bird
Wickersham — Logan Rush-Kirsop, Kinley Clow, Hunter Kersh, Julia Burton, Kenan Burton, Elijah Burton
Bird Girl — Josie McNary, Delta Davis, Teagan Harvey, Logan Maynor, Sophie Shepherd, Micah Burton
Sophia Deak — Sour Kangaroo
Scarlett Swisher — Young Kangaroo
Beckham White — Judge Yertle the Turtle
Aurelian Von Ehrenkrook — Grinch/Vlad Vladikoff
Ensemble — Chloe Burton, Hadrian Von Ehrenkrook, Declan McNary, Madalynn Shafley, Emersyn Henderson, Roman Hipfl, Quinn Buttil, Piper Donahue, Loren Carmel, Coralene Cline, Jordyn Beasley, Saige Painley and Madison Olivieri
