Enfiniti Academy thrilled everyone, both young and old with its charming production, writes Aref Omar
IT was an utter riot of colour and sound. Ensemble scenes showcased children in funky animal costumes dancing together onstage like a mardi gras fiesta.
Simple, yet bright were the sets, and dazzling lighting matched the upbeat tunes. These framed the chaotic charm that ensued as the stories from the world of Dr Seuss unfolded onstage in Seussical The Broadway Musical.
After last year’s successful run of Seussical Jr, Enfiniti Academy of Musical Theatre and Entertainment Arts returned with a new and improved production that winningly entertained the packed theatre at PJ Live Arts. Children in the audience cheered along enthusiastically to the action onstage and laughed out loud during the comic moments. And the adults applauded the talents of the younger actors as their hearts were melted by their earnest performances.
Written by Tony Award-winning Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty and Monty Python’s Eric Idle, Seussical The Broadway Musical was a fun fusion of Dr Seuss’ most famous children’s books. It is about the journey of Horton, a kind elephant with a heart of gold, who discovers a small world in a speck of dust on a clover.
Amazingly it is home to the miniscule Whos. And since a person is still a person, no matter how small, the pachyderm makes it his mission to protect his newfound friends even though he faces ridicule from the jungle community. Horton also has to face another challenge — in taking care of a bird’s egg after its owner, the flamboyant and stunning Mayzie La Bird, disappears to find herself in Palm Beach.
But no one is alone in the universe and the heroic elephant has some help from his plucky friend and admirer, Gertrude McFuzz. She too has her own issues to deal with.
On a finer point, the story focuses on the mayor of Whoville’s highly imaginative son, Jojo, who eventually finds his voice and contributes to saving the Whos.
Little Jojo was portrayed by Joel Timothy Low and he easily stole the show as the cute and daring young individual who dared to think of things. Returning as Gertrude, Badrika Baluch Bahadur was a joy to watch in her bright green feathered outfit playing the underdog character who learns to develop her confidence through song and dance — one with a split no less.
For this production, the 20-plus winsome cast of children aged 18 and below were joined by four experienced adult actors. The ever dependable Peter Ong gave a sympathetic performance of Horton, while Ruzana Ibrahim danced her way to the spotlight as the irresponsible but beguiling Mayzie.
Zalina Lee utilised her vocal prowess in delivering sweltering rhythm & blues numbers as the initially disbelieving Sour Kangaroo.
But Safia Hanifah clearly had the most fun as Dr Seuss’ world famous Cat In The Hat, prancing around the stage and hamming it through the feline’s various personalities, which included being the emcee of the uproarious musical.
Director Joanna Bessey kept the pacing tight with a jovial and positive tone peppered by moments of drama and poignancy.
Presented by Enfiniti Vision Media (of Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical and P. Ramlee The Musical fame), the 90-minute musical also featured flashy dance moves and light footwork choreographed by American director, dancer and choreographer Michael Parks Masterson from Broadway.
Another highlight of Seussical The Broadway Musical, executive-produced by Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina, was the wide embrace of musical styles that carried the layered storylines.
Llewellyn Marsh returned as music director and the musical saw the talented cast perform over 30 songs — from soaring ballads to catchy uptempo ditties in the genres of jazz, funk and rock and roll.
The boundless imagination onstage was infectious and the positive values tied into the story which celebrates friendship, loyalty, family and community, were universal and relatable for both young and old in the audience.
Seussical The Broadway Musical is a feel-good show that’s perfect for families to enjoy during the holiday season.
Watching it may just get you singing along to one of its catchy tunes long after the show: It’s possible, anything’s possible.
Seussical The Broadway Musical
When: Till Dec 21, 8.30pm (additional 3pm show on weekends)
Where: PJ Live Arts, Jaya One, 2A-3, Block K, Jaya One, Section 13, No.72A, Jalan Universiti, PJ
Admission: From RM33 to RM133
Call 03-7960 0439 or 017-228 9849. Visit www.tix.my or www.facebook.com/enfinitiacademy.
Suitable for ages 2 and above.