CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
JoJo: Any gender, Vocal Range Ab3-B4
A "thinker." He's a smart child with a wild imagination. JoJo can be played as being a little bit awkward, a little bit of a loner, or simply a rambunctious kid whose "Thinks" get him into constant trouble. By the end of the show, he learns what it means to be a responsible member of his community, using the power and possibilities of his own "Thinks." JoJo should be a strong singer, and can easily be played by a young girl or boy.
The Cat in the Hat: Any gender, Vocal Range Bb3-D5
The essence of mischief, fun, and imagination. The Cat stirs things up and causes trouble but always sets things right again. He helps JoJo discover the power of his own imagination as they create the story of Seussical JR. together. The actor chosen for this role must be confident onstage, comfortable with comedy, and able to improvise with the audience if needed. The Cat must be a strong singer and should have good rhythm and timing.
Horton the Elephant: Male, Vocal Range A2-E4
A gentle giant. Think of Horton as a big-hearted, blue-collar guy who is steadfast, responsible and always tries to do the right thing. He is sympathetic and receptive to the world around him. He believes in the inherent goodness of the world, so it's no surprise that he always looks for the good in others. Horton goes on quite a journey throughout the show but stays true to himself, even when the going gets tough.
Mr. Mayor: Male, Vocal Range C3-E4
Mr. Mayor and Mrs. Mayor are parents trying hard to raise a child with a big imagination. These Whos may get aggravated with JoJo, but they love him dearly. They try their best to make the right choices as parents, even is JoJo doesn't always understand them. They are also upstanding members of their community. Must be two performers who are good singers and pair well together. Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are a team!
Mrs. Mayor: Female, Vocal Range A3-Bb4
Mr. Mayor and Mrs. Mayor are parents trying hard to raise a child with a big imagination. These Whos may get aggravated with JoJo, but they love him dearly. They try their best to make the right choices as parents, even is JoJo doesn't always understand them. They are also upstanding members of their community. Must be two performers who are good singers and pair well together. Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are a team!
Gertrude McFuzz: Female, Vocal Range F#3-Eb5
Very self-conscious about her one-feather tail. Gertrude gains confidence throughout the show, changing from an anxious, nervous, shy bird into someone whose self-worth doesn't rest on her appearance. In other words, Gertrude realizes what's truly important in her life. Must be a great singer and acctress and must pair well with Horton.
Mayzie La Bird: Female, Vocal Range G#3-Eb5
Self-centered, vain and manipulative. She ultimately means no harm, but she's immature and makes selfish decisions. In giving up her egg to Horton once and for all, she has a moment of self-awareness - she realizes she isn't the kind of bird who would be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can for the egg. Mayzie must be cast with a good singer and great actress who can sell Mayzie's larger-than-life personality.
Wickersham Brothers: Male, Vocal Range Ab2-B3
The Wickersham Brothers, including Wickersham 1, Wickersham 2 and Wickersham 3, are not bad guys! They tease, play pranks and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at another's expense. These actors must be great movers who work well as a group.
Bird Girls: Female, Vocal Range A3-B4
The Bird Girls, including Bird Girl 1, Bird Girl 2 and Bird Girl 3, are a fabulous group of birds who know everything there is to know about the goings on in the jungle and support Mayzie throughout the show. These actresses must be great movers, singers and work well together as a group.
Sour Kangaroo: Female, Vocal Range Bb3-Eb5
Loud, brassy, and a lot of fun. She's got a lot of attitude but isn't mean - she's just very confident and unafraid to tell it like it is. Must be a great actress with a bring-down-the-house singing voice who is unafraid of making bold choices onstage.
Young Kangaroo: Female
Sour Kangaroo's feisty daughter. She may be pint-sized, but she's got a big personality and is following in her mother's footsteps. Young Kangaroo should be a great actress with lots of attitude and must pair well with Sour Kangaroo.
Judge Yertle the Turtle: Any gender, Vocal Range F3-F5
The authoritative judge who presides over Horton's trial at the end of the show. Yertle is a great role for a newer performer who may not be quite ready for the responsibility of a larger part. Yertle must be cast with a good singer and actor who can command the stage.
Vlad Vladikoff: Male
The black-bottomed eagle who flies off with the Whos. Vlad is onstage briefly and does not sing, so this is a great role for a cast member who can make a big impression in a short amount of time.
The Grinch: Male, Vocal Range F3-B3
Arguably the most famous Seuss character of all. He has a brief, fun cameo in Seussical JR. Must be a good singer & actor who can have a lot of fun with the Grinch's short solo.
The Whos:
The Whos (including First Who Family, Second Who Family, Third Who Family, Fourth Who Family, and Fifth Who Family) are the citizens of Whoville and they look a lot like you and me, only so small they are invisible to the naked eye. They are a tight-knit, supportive community.
Ensemble:
The Jungle Citizens, Hunters, Circus Animals, Fish, Nurses, Courtroom Attendants, additional Wickersham Brothers and Bird Girls all help fill out the world of Seussical JR.