The musical that failed on Broadway but found a second life
In short: When it premiered on Broadway in 2000, this production faced harsh criticism and heavy financial losses. However, the show did not disappear. It eventually gained popularity through national tours and West End performances, transforming from a commercial failure into a beloved staple for regional theaters and schools across the country.
Despite its rocky start at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on November 30, 2000, the show has since seen a revival in popularity, securing two US national tours and a West End production. The production has since become a popular license for schools and regional theaters. It is currently managed by Music Theatre International. This transition from a commercial flop to a touring staple highlights its enduring appeal.
The musical's narrative is a complex tapestry of Dr. The production's narrative mainly originates from Horton Hatches the Egg, Gertrude McFuzz, and Horton Hears a Who! The plot centers on Horton and Gertrude attempting to rescue the Whos and restore peace to the Jungle of Nool. It explores themes like the importance of fighting for one's beliefs and the power of being unique. The title itself is a portmanteau of the author's name and the word musical.
A significant portion of the original script, including an extensive sequence adapting The Lorax, was cut entirely after the show's out-of-town tryout in Boston due to the production's already lengthy running time. The sequence originally featured the Once-ler, who was played by Eddie Korbich during the Boston tryout. This removed segment would have shown Jojo receiving the final Truffula Tree seed. The cut was necessary because the show was already too long for audiences.
The story utilizes a meta-narrative structure where the Cat in the Hat serves as a trickster narrator who brings a boy's 'Thinks' to life to construct the Seussian world. The Cat encourages the boy to imagine the Jungle of Nool where Horton bathes. He also pushes the boy into the role of Jojo, the mayor's son. This narrative device allows the Cat to play many small roles while guiding the audience through the story.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Seussical
- Also: Wikidata — Seussical · CC0
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