Brisbane review - Seussical the Musical: bursting with imagination, energy and heart
8 hours ago
3 min read
By David Wilson
Music by: Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by: Lynn Ahrens
Book by: Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Director: Kristen Barros
Musical Director: Hayley Marsh
Choreographer: Hannah Crowther
Venue: The Tin Shed, Beenleigh Showgrounds, 60–74 James Street, Beenleigh
Performance Dates: 6–28 November 2026
Ticket Prices: From $38
There is something particularly special about a theatrical production in which every element comes together so beautifully that the sheer joy of performing becomes almost infectious. Phoenix Ensemble’s production of Seussical the Musical is precisely such an experience. Brilliantly conceived, wonderfully performed and bursting with imagination, energy and heart, this is an exceptional production of a marvellous musical.
Inspired by the beloved stories of Dr Seuss, Seussical brings together an extraordinary collection of colourful characters in a fantastical world where imagination knows no boundaries. With its wonderfully inventive score and delightfully eccentric characters, Seussical is a joyous celebration of individuality and the power of imagination.
Make no mistake however, this is an enormously challenging musical to stage successfully. Fast-paced, dialogue-heavy and demanding almost constant movement, it requires exceptional coordination, precision and commitment from everyone involved. Under the outstanding direction of Kristen Barros, with musical direction by Hayley Marsh and choreography by Hannah Crowther, Phoenix Ensemble has delivered a production of remarkable quality. The timing throughout is impeccable, with the entire company working together seamlessly to create a wonderfully polished theatrical experience.
The opening number, Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!, is quite simply one of the finest openings I have seen in Brisbane musical theatre. Bursting with energy, colour and perfectly coordinated movement, it immediately establishes the extraordinary standard of the production. The confidence and obvious enjoyment of the performers are palpable, and entirely justified. It is a breathtaking beginning to a show that never loses its momentum.
Leading the company as the mischievous and irrepressible Cat in the Hat, Zach Price is absolutely outstanding. Possessing immense stage presence, wonderful comic instincts and an effortless command of the stage, Price seems almost born to play this role. His performance is magnetic, providing the perfect guiding presence through the wonderfully chaotic world of Seuss.
As JoJo, Milo White delivers a performance of remarkable maturity and assurance. With particularly strong vocals and an impressive calmness on stage, White demonstrates a natural theatrical ability well beyond his years. He is an immensely talented young performer with what promises to be a very exciting future.
Ella Bordeaux is simply wonderful as Horton the Elephant, beautifully capturing the character’s kindness, vulnerability and quiet determination. Bordeaux provides the emotional heart of the production, balancing the show’s exuberant comedy with genuine warmth and sincerity. Her vocals are consistently excellent, and her duet with White, Alone in the Universe, is sensational. It is a beautifully realised moment that perfectly captures the emotional depth beneath the musical’s colourful exterior.
Vivien Wood is fabulous as Gertrude McFuzz, bringing delightful characterisation and superb comedic timing to the insecure but determined bird whose affection for Horton provides another touching thread to the story. Grace Clarke is equally impressive as the flamboyant Mayzie LaBird, making the most of the character’s larger-than-life personality with terrific confidence and commanding stage presence.
As Mr and Mrs Mayor, Kaylee Starre and Emma Hodis are excellent, bringing warmth, humour and an engaging sense of parental concern to their portrayals of JoJo’s bewildered parents. Their performances nicely capture the contrast between the conventional expectations of Whoville and their son’s extraordinary imagination.
The strength of this production extends well beyond its principal performers. A wonderfully committed and talented ensemble brings the world of Seuss to life with extraordinary enthusiasm and precision. Alicia Brite is particularly impressive as the Sour Kangaroo, delivering some exceptionally powerful vocals, while Shaugn Mitchell brings remarkable physicality and comic flair to the militaristic General Genghis Khan Schmitz. Michael Nelson, meanwhile, embodies the Grinch brilliantly, making a memorable impression in a production filled with delightful character performances.
What is perhaps most impressive is the sense of unity across the entire company. Every performer appears completely invested in the production, and the demanding combination of music, movement, dialogue and comedy is delivered with seemingly effortless precision. The considerable work undertaken by the creative team, cast and crew is evident in every scene, making the exceptional standard achieved on opening night all the more remarkable.
Phoenix Ensemble has produced something genuinely special with Seussical the Musical. Imaginative, hilarious, touching and gloriously entertaining, it is a production that demonstrates what can be achieved when a talented company shares a clear creative vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
An absolute triumph and a production I cannot recommend highly enough.
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