Seussical: the Musical, which is based on Dr. Seuss's beloved characters, made the news even before its Broadway opening, as tales of disastrous out-of-town tryouts multiplied and creative turmoil abounded. But the show ha... more »s its fans--Rosie O'Donnell, for one, likes it so much that she jumped in to play the Cat in the Hat for a month while Roger Bart was on vacation. And guess what? As conceived by Ragtime's Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, Seussical isn't nearly as bad as its reputation would suggest. While Junior digs the familiar characters, Mom and Dad will notice that "A Day for the Cat in the Hat" could be an outtake from Cabaret--if that show had been rated G, of course--while "It's Possible" suddenly turns into an Elton John-type romp midway through. Easy on the ear and very pop, this is a kid-friendly cast album that won't insult an adult's intelligence. --Elisabeth Vincentelli« less
Seussical: the Musical, which is based on Dr. Seuss's beloved characters, made the news even before its Broadway opening, as tales of disastrous out-of-town tryouts multiplied and creative turmoil abounded. But the show has its fans--Rosie O'Donnell, for one, likes it so much that she jumped in to play the Cat in the Hat for a month while Roger Bart was on vacation. And guess what? As conceived by Ragtime's Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, Seussical isn't nearly as bad as its reputation would suggest. While Junior digs the familiar characters, Mom and Dad will notice that "A Day for the Cat in the Hat" could be an outtake from Cabaret--if that show had been rated G, of course--while "It's Possible" suddenly turns into an Elton John-type romp midway through. Easy on the ear and very pop, this is a kid-friendly cast album that won't insult an adult's intelligence. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
"It's always cause for celebration when a 50-something-year-old jaded person (that would be me) is pleasantly surprised by. . .anything! That being said, I reluctantly went to see this show when it passed through Southern California a while ago, and was completely won over by it. I enjoy Dr. Seuss but am not a purist, so any liberties taken in the show are forgiven, in the spirit of capturing the essence of his characters and his work. But when all is said and done, it's the delightful score that makes the whole thing work. (I was in NYC when it was on Broadway but avoided it like the plague. My mistake.) I enjoyed the songs so much that I bought the cast album, the piano score, and even wrote a letter of appreciation to Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty thru their agent. Much to my surprise, Lynn Ahrens wrote a nice letter back, thanking me. (I guess composers and lyricists don't get as much recognition as they should; however, just go to a tuneless musical and you come out with a new appreciation for what memorable songs really do for a show.) So, put the inner-Grinch on hold, go see this show if it's in your city, but at least buy the cast album and enjoy."
Great Music For ANY Music Fan
Donato | 02/17/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think this recording is really great.I first learned about this show by stumbling over it on the internet and seeing Rosie talk about it on her show, and as soon as I heard the concept, I knew I had to buy the recording.All of the actors are great! Kevin Chamberlin is a touching, elephant-like Horton, Gertrude McFuzz is great, and Sharon Wilkins wails out her lyrics like a pro!My personal favorite songs are the opening number, "Oh, The Thinks You Can Think," "Horton Hears A Who," which shines as a caribbean (Once On This Island) style song that tells Horton's story. "Here On Who" is great as a Ragtime-like song. Some other good ones are "It's Possible" and "Solla Sollew."But, my personal two favorite songs are:"NOTICE ME, HORTON" and "ALONE IN THE UNIVERSE"This is a great CD for fans of Ahrens and Flaherty's musicals (Including Ragtime and Once On This Island), anyone who grew up with Doctor Seuss, and anyone who can manage to stay young at heart.Do yourself a favor and buy Seussical"
Absolutely stupendous CD for an absolutely stupendous show!
Robert W. Berg | New York, NY United States | 02/07/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Like many people, I heard nothing but negative reviews for this show, but when I went to see it on Broadway, I was pleasantly surprised. No, actually make that amazed. I am amazed that such a fantastic, fun, and original show could be so blasted by the critics and all but ignored. I find it very sad that it took Rosie O'Donnell's horrible performance as the Cat in the Hat to get people to come to this otherwise terrific evening of entertainment. That is why I am so happy that not only does this CD have very nearly the entire show and all of the wonderful music on it, but (hallelujah!) Rosie is not on it!!! The original Cat, who is a million times better just from hearing him on the disk, and all of the original cast is here. Now, listening to the CD is no substitute for seeing the beautiful, fanciful costumes, lights and scenery of the Broadway show, but it comes very close. This is one of the strongest, best scores I've heard for a show in a long time because it so well compliments the crazy, zany language and stories of Dr. Seuss. The score is, by turns, playful, silly, fun, soulful, touching, and always delightful. The songs are very tuneful and instantly memorable. It has been a long time since I've returned home to a Broadway show for which I'd never heard the music before and still remembered a great deal of it by the time I came home. My personal favorites include "Oh! The Thinks You Can Think," "A Day for the Cat in the Hat" and "Notice Me, Horton." The show is excellent and brilliantly weaves together countless stories from Dr. Seuss' large canon into one great epic tale mostly revolving around Horton the Elephant who hears a who and hatches an egg. Don't listen to the critics. The CD (and the show itself) is absolutely unmissable!"
Kids' Musical Enjoyed by Adults
John Rice | Milwaukee, WI USA | 03/22/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was not inclined to add to my collection a musical like this because it was not adult. But on an impulse I bought it. I was delighted by the music. There are some things in the show that only the adults will get - and they are funny. Flaherty's music and Ahrens lyrics are catchy, funny and poignant. Children will understand what they mean, but adults also will appreciate them. I particularly refer to "How Lucky You Are" as a song with allusions only adults can appreciate. The music is attuned to children, but adults will find the score upbeat. This was a happy surprise of a purchase."
The critics really missed the boat
Robert P. Reid Jr. | 11/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is simply a great musical. Memorable songs with great melodies, a funny story line and a very engaging use of the core Suess material. Over time this will become one of the classic standards despite being panned by the critics. You simply can't like musicals and not appreciate the quality of this show."
Track Listings (28) - Disc #1![Seussical [2000 Original Broadway Cast]](https://nationalbookswap.com/cd//l/02/4802/514802.jpg)
