Seussical Jr. ~ Character Breakdown
The Cat In The Hat
The Cat In The Hat is the essence of mischief, fun, and imagination. The Cat stirs things up, causes trouble, but always sets things right again, helping Jojo to discover the power of his own imagination as they create the story for the show together. Look for a physically adept actor (male or female) to play The Cat, one who will be able to play many comic cameos and is comfortable improvising with an audience. The Cat does not need to be your strongest singer, but should still have good rhythm and timing.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: D6
Vocal range bottom: Bb4
Jojo
Jojo is a "Thinker", a smart child with a wild imagination. He 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 world, using the power and possibilities of his own Thinks. He should be one of your stronger singers.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: D6
Vocal range bottom: Ab4
Horton The Elephant
Horton The Elephant is a gentle giant. Think of him as a big-hearted blue-collar guy who is steadfast, responsible and always tries to do the right thing for his friends. He is imaginative and receptive to the world around him. He is very unselfconscious. Horton's view of the world never changes - he believes in its goodness. By the end of the show, without even realizing it, he is ready to become a parent.
Gender: Male or Female
Vocal range top: E6
Vocal range bottom: A4
Gertrude Mcfuzz
Gertrude Mcfuzz is very self-conscious and aware that her one-feather tail isn't perfect. Gertrude changes during the show from a neurotic, nervous and shy bird into one with the power to protect and care for a baby elephant bird and commit herself to Horton. In other words, she stops worrying about her looks and grows up.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Mayzie La Bird
Mayzie La Bird is self-centered, selfish, and vain. Mayzie will never admit to her own flaws. She manipulates anyone she can into doing what she wants. But Mayzie isn't all bad. In giving up her egg to Horton once and for all, she has a moment of generosity-she realizes she isn't the kind of person who would be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can for the egg.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: G#3
Sour Kangaroo
Sour Kangaroo isn't really sour at all. She's just got a lot of attitude. She's loud, brassy, and a lot of fun.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: A3
The Wickersham Brothers
The Wickersham Brothers are not bad guys! They're simply a lot like kids who tease, play pranks, and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at others' expense. They enjoy hanging around with one another, making music together on the street corner, and playing off one another. Encourage each of your actors to find their own Wickersham persona.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: G6
Vocal range bottom: A4
The Whos
The Whos are a lot like you and me, only so small as to be invisible. Don't think of them as weird little aliens. They should be played for their inherent humanity. Encourage everyone playing a Who to try and create his or her own unique character.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: D#5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Mr. Mayor
Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are Whos who are parents trying hard to raise a difficult child in a difficult world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love him dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: A6
Vocal range bottom: C5
Mrs. Mayor
Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are Whos who are parents trying hard to raise a difficult child in a difficult world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love him dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Jungle Creatures
The Jungle Creatures are real people at heart, just like us, even though they may be described as animal characters. We discourage masks and literal "animal costumes." Each student should be encouraged to create his or her own individual character with human characteristics.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: Db5
Vocal range bottom: A3
The Grinch
One of three great smaller character roles that can be played by some of your featured chorus members.
Gender: Both
Yertle The Turtle
One of three great smaller character roles that can be played by some of your featured chorus members.
Gender: Both
Vlad Vladikoff
One of three great smaller character roles that can be played by some of your featured chorus members.
Gender: Both
The Cat In The Hat is the essence of mischief, fun, and imagination. The Cat stirs things up, causes trouble, but always sets things right again, helping Jojo to discover the power of his own imagination as they create the story for the show together. Look for a physically adept actor (male or female) to play The Cat, one who will be able to play many comic cameos and is comfortable improvising with an audience. The Cat does not need to be your strongest singer, but should still have good rhythm and timing.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: D6
Vocal range bottom: Bb4
Jojo
Jojo is a "Thinker", a smart child with a wild imagination. He 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 world, using the power and possibilities of his own Thinks. He should be one of your stronger singers.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: D6
Vocal range bottom: Ab4
Horton The Elephant
Horton The Elephant is a gentle giant. Think of him as a big-hearted blue-collar guy who is steadfast, responsible and always tries to do the right thing for his friends. He is imaginative and receptive to the world around him. He is very unselfconscious. Horton's view of the world never changes - he believes in its goodness. By the end of the show, without even realizing it, he is ready to become a parent.
Gender: Male or Female
Vocal range top: E6
Vocal range bottom: A4
Gertrude Mcfuzz
Gertrude Mcfuzz is very self-conscious and aware that her one-feather tail isn't perfect. Gertrude changes during the show from a neurotic, nervous and shy bird into one with the power to protect and care for a baby elephant bird and commit herself to Horton. In other words, she stops worrying about her looks and grows up.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Mayzie La Bird
Mayzie La Bird is self-centered, selfish, and vain. Mayzie will never admit to her own flaws. She manipulates anyone she can into doing what she wants. But Mayzie isn't all bad. In giving up her egg to Horton once and for all, she has a moment of generosity-she realizes she isn't the kind of person who would be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can for the egg.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: G#3
Sour Kangaroo
Sour Kangaroo isn't really sour at all. She's just got a lot of attitude. She's loud, brassy, and a lot of fun.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: A3
The Wickersham Brothers
The Wickersham Brothers are not bad guys! They're simply a lot like kids who tease, play pranks, and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at others' expense. They enjoy hanging around with one another, making music together on the street corner, and playing off one another. Encourage each of your actors to find their own Wickersham persona.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: G6
Vocal range bottom: A4
The Whos
The Whos are a lot like you and me, only so small as to be invisible. Don't think of them as weird little aliens. They should be played for their inherent humanity. Encourage everyone playing a Who to try and create his or her own unique character.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: D#5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Mr. Mayor
Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are Whos who are parents trying hard to raise a difficult child in a difficult world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love him dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: A6
Vocal range bottom: C5
Mrs. Mayor
Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are Whos who are parents trying hard to raise a difficult child in a difficult world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love him dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Jungle Creatures
The Jungle Creatures are real people at heart, just like us, even though they may be described as animal characters. We discourage masks and literal "animal costumes." Each student should be encouraged to create his or her own individual character with human characteristics.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: Db5
Vocal range bottom: A3
The Grinch
One of three great smaller character roles that can be played by some of your featured chorus members.
Gender: Both
Yertle The Turtle
One of three great smaller character roles that can be played by some of your featured chorus members.
Gender: Both
Vlad Vladikoff
One of three great smaller character roles that can be played by some of your featured chorus members.
Gender: Both
Hello Dolly ~ Character Descriptions
Dolly Levi
Matchmaker, widow, meddler, opportunist, life-loving, commanding, strong stage presence.
Stage age: 35-50.
Vocal range: alto-soprano.
Dance ability: some.
Horace Vandergelder
Well-known half-a-millionaire, widower, owns the Feed Store, gruff, set in his ways, authoritative.
Stage age: 40-60.
Vocal range: baritone.
Dance ability: some.
Cornelius Hackl
Head clerk at the Feed Store, energetic, enthusiastic, and adventurous.
Stage age: 30-35.
Vocal range: baritone.
Dance ability: strong.
Barnaby Tucker
Assistant to Cornelius at the Feed Store, naïve, energized, follower.
Stage age: 17-20.
Vocal range: baritone.
Dance ability: strong.
Irene Molloy
Owns the Hat Shop, widow, beautiful, smart, fun-loving.
Stage age: 30-35.
Vocal range: soprano.
Dance ability: strong.
Minnie Fay
Irene’s assistant, naïve, straight-laced, fresh, follower.
Stage age: 17-20.
Vocal range: mezzo-soprano.
Dance ability: strong.
Ambrose Kemper
Struggling artist, good-natured, accommodating, wants to marry Ermengarde.
Stage age: 19-23.
Vocal range: tenor.
Dance ability: strong.
Ermengarde
Horace’s niece, whining, high-strung, wants to marry Ambrose.
Stage age: 17-20.
Vocal range: any.
Dance ability: strong.
Ernestina
Accommodating, good-time girl.
Stage age: 30-45.
Vocal range: any.
Dance ability: none.
Rudy
Maitre’d of the Harmonia Gardens, proper, commanding.
Stage age: 40-60.
Vocal range: bass.
Dance ability: some.
Mrs. Rose
Street vendor (will be cast from the chorus).
Stage age: 35-50.
Dance ability: none.
Miscellaneous character parts: will be cast from the chorus.
Waiters: Stage age: 18-58. Vocal range: even split of tenors/basses. Dance ability: strong.
Female Chorus Members: Stage age: 18-48. Vocal range: even split of sopranos and altos. Dance ability: strong.
Children: Stage age: 8-12. Vocal range: melody. Dance ability: strong.
Matchmaker, widow, meddler, opportunist, life-loving, commanding, strong stage presence.
Stage age: 35-50.
Vocal range: alto-soprano.
Dance ability: some.
Horace Vandergelder
Well-known half-a-millionaire, widower, owns the Feed Store, gruff, set in his ways, authoritative.
Stage age: 40-60.
Vocal range: baritone.
Dance ability: some.
Cornelius Hackl
Head clerk at the Feed Store, energetic, enthusiastic, and adventurous.
Stage age: 30-35.
Vocal range: baritone.
Dance ability: strong.
Barnaby Tucker
Assistant to Cornelius at the Feed Store, naïve, energized, follower.
Stage age: 17-20.
Vocal range: baritone.
Dance ability: strong.
Irene Molloy
Owns the Hat Shop, widow, beautiful, smart, fun-loving.
Stage age: 30-35.
Vocal range: soprano.
Dance ability: strong.
Minnie Fay
Irene’s assistant, naïve, straight-laced, fresh, follower.
Stage age: 17-20.
Vocal range: mezzo-soprano.
Dance ability: strong.
Ambrose Kemper
Struggling artist, good-natured, accommodating, wants to marry Ermengarde.
Stage age: 19-23.
Vocal range: tenor.
Dance ability: strong.
Ermengarde
Horace’s niece, whining, high-strung, wants to marry Ambrose.
Stage age: 17-20.
Vocal range: any.
Dance ability: strong.
Ernestina
Accommodating, good-time girl.
Stage age: 30-45.
Vocal range: any.
Dance ability: none.
Rudy
Maitre’d of the Harmonia Gardens, proper, commanding.
Stage age: 40-60.
Vocal range: bass.
Dance ability: some.
Mrs. Rose
Street vendor (will be cast from the chorus).
Stage age: 35-50.
Dance ability: none.
Miscellaneous character parts: will be cast from the chorus.
Waiters: Stage age: 18-58. Vocal range: even split of tenors/basses. Dance ability: strong.
Female Chorus Members: Stage age: 18-48. Vocal range: even split of sopranos and altos. Dance ability: strong.
Children: Stage age: 8-12. Vocal range: melody. Dance ability: strong.
Cinderella KIDS (MONDAY CLASS) ~ Character Descriptions
Cinderella
Cinderella is the heroine of the show. She is a strong-willed girl with enormous faith. Cinderella believes that, in time, good things happen to good people, and deep down she knows her day will come. She does not resent her Stepfamily - she is aware of their social and emotional limitations. She sings a beautiful ballad, so cast your strongest singer/actress combination. This role requires an actress who can convey Cinderella's conviction and her inner beauty.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D4
Vocal range bottom: B2
Stepsisters
The Stepsisters should be cast with two of your stronger actresses with excellent comedic timing and physical comedy skills. ANASTASIA works well when played as spoiled rotten and not very bright. She's used to getting her way and throws a fit whenever she hears the word "no." DRIZELLA works well as the bully of the two. Although both Stepsisters hate Cinderella equally, Drizella is more likely to be the one that starts a fight with her. There are no solos for the Stepsisters, so cast your stronger actors rather than singers. Mix and match your Stepsister hopefuls into different pairs to see who works best together. If possible, audition Stepmother at the same time since this "evil" trio always appears onstage together.
Stepmother
Stepmother is the mother to Anastasia and Drizella and the stepmother to Cinderella. She is cold, cruel, and calculating. She is unhappy with her place in life and is determined to use her daughters to get where she wants to be: the Palace. She is threatened by Cinderella's kindness and the effect it has on people. Casting an actress with the maturity to maintain the level-headedness of the Stepmother around her frenzied daughters is important. No solo work is required of this character, so cast a stronger actor versus singer. Try to audition Stepmother hopefuls with the Stepsisters, looking for the best chemistry for this trio.
Gender: Female
Perla
Perla is the most mature of the mice and is always ready to straighten out a mess. She is the only female role of the four main mice, so there can be a maternal instinct about her. She is often near Gus, helping him on his way. This role requires a strong mover and character actor. The actress must not only move like a mouse, but also talk and sing like a mouse. There are solo singing lines for this role.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D4
Vocal range bottom: C3
Jaq
Jaq (pronounced Jacques) is Luke's partner in crime. A happy, playful mouse, he is always eager to help. Jaq has the most solo lines of all the mice, so make sure you cast a strong singer. This role requires a strong mover and character actor. The actor should be able to move, talk, and sing like a mouse. Jaq can be played by a boy or a girl.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: C4
Vocal range bottom: D3
Luke
Luke is Jaq's partner in crime. Even though he is just as playful as Jaq, he is more level-headed. He is fiercely loyal to Cinderella. Luke gets the most upset when the Stepfamily is mean to Cinderella. This role requires a strong mover and character actor. There are no solos for Luke, so cast based on acting. The actor playing Luke should be able to move, talk, and sing like a mouse. Luke can be played by a boy or a girl.
Gender: Both
Gus
Gus is the most innocent of the mice and Cinderella's biggest fan. Often simple, shy and fearful, Gus responds immediately when Cinderella calls to him. Given the additional characteristics of this famous mouse, cast an exceptionally strong mover and character actor in this part. There are only a handful of sung solo lines, so choose a stronger actor over a singer. This actor should also be able to take on the characteristics of a mouse. Gus can be played by a boy or a girl.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: B4
Vocal range bottom: D3
Other Mice
Casting extra Mice is a wonderful way to use additional children. The Mice are used in several numbers and can double as Villagers in the opening. Pick you strongest movers, even gymnasts, for these roles. There are endless opportunities to incorporate tumbling and more intricate choreography with the mice ensemble. Strong singers here will help fill out the sound of the singing mice in the big numbers.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: D4
Vocal range bottom: C3
Fairy Godmother
The Fairy Godmother is the quintessential female mentor. She is kind, gentle and loving, yet strong and extremely capable. Her goal is to help Cinderella succeed by teaching her how much power she has within herself. Cast an actress who can portray the maturity of a maternal figure. Fairy Godmother sings "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," so a strong singer must be cast in this role.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D4
Vocal range bottom: C3
Narrators
The Narrators are storytellers--the show's plot and the actions and reactions of the characters are expressed. Good narration looks easy, but requires strong actors. Cast actors that are mature enough to stand for long periods of time. Clear, loud voices with good diction are a must. These are good roles for actors that might not be your strongest singers. By redistributing the Narrators' lines, you can use fewer or more actors as needed to accommodate the number of students you have available.
Gender: Both
Town Criers
The Town Criers can be cast as one person or more than four depending on cast size. They are pivotal in all "royal announcements." Cast actors who can project their voices well for these featured roles that require no solos.
Gender: Both
King
The King is a parent who jsut wants his child to be happy. The King throws the royal ball so his son, the Prince, can meet a potential mate. Once the Prince meets and then loses Cinderella, the King does everything in his power to help his son find her again. This role requires an actor who can portray the stature of a king and the caring of a father. No solo singing is required for this part.
Gender: Male
Prince
The Prince is a young man who is not happy with his duty to find a bride. At the royal ball, he is bored and petulant. The Prince's world changes when he finally meets Cinderella. No solo singing is required in this role. Cast an actor who can portray the Prince's longing as he searches for Cinderella.
Gender: Male
Grand Duke
The Grand Duke is clearly the brains behind the royal family. He knows how much he is needed by the royal family and thinks very highly of himself. Cast this role with an actor who has good comedic timing. No solo singing is required.
Gender: Male
Herald
The Herald is a wonderful sidekick to the Grand Duke and is a good featured role. Because there are several key moments in the show that rely on the timing of the Herald (e.g., the shoe fitting), it is recommended to cast a responsible actor in this role. No solo singing is required, but comedic timing is a must.
Gender: Male
Ensemble
The Ensemble in Cinderella is used quite often. Strong singers and dancers are needed for "The Tale of Cinderella," "The Ball," "Cinderella/Dream Finale," and "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Bows." Encourage your ensemble members to create unique characters for all the villagers in the kingdom.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: D4
Vocal range bottom: B2
Cinderella is the heroine of the show. She is a strong-willed girl with enormous faith. Cinderella believes that, in time, good things happen to good people, and deep down she knows her day will come. She does not resent her Stepfamily - she is aware of their social and emotional limitations. She sings a beautiful ballad, so cast your strongest singer/actress combination. This role requires an actress who can convey Cinderella's conviction and her inner beauty.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D4
Vocal range bottom: B2
Stepsisters
The Stepsisters should be cast with two of your stronger actresses with excellent comedic timing and physical comedy skills. ANASTASIA works well when played as spoiled rotten and not very bright. She's used to getting her way and throws a fit whenever she hears the word "no." DRIZELLA works well as the bully of the two. Although both Stepsisters hate Cinderella equally, Drizella is more likely to be the one that starts a fight with her. There are no solos for the Stepsisters, so cast your stronger actors rather than singers. Mix and match your Stepsister hopefuls into different pairs to see who works best together. If possible, audition Stepmother at the same time since this "evil" trio always appears onstage together.
Stepmother
Stepmother is the mother to Anastasia and Drizella and the stepmother to Cinderella. She is cold, cruel, and calculating. She is unhappy with her place in life and is determined to use her daughters to get where she wants to be: the Palace. She is threatened by Cinderella's kindness and the effect it has on people. Casting an actress with the maturity to maintain the level-headedness of the Stepmother around her frenzied daughters is important. No solo work is required of this character, so cast a stronger actor versus singer. Try to audition Stepmother hopefuls with the Stepsisters, looking for the best chemistry for this trio.
Gender: Female
Perla
Perla is the most mature of the mice and is always ready to straighten out a mess. She is the only female role of the four main mice, so there can be a maternal instinct about her. She is often near Gus, helping him on his way. This role requires a strong mover and character actor. The actress must not only move like a mouse, but also talk and sing like a mouse. There are solo singing lines for this role.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D4
Vocal range bottom: C3
Jaq
Jaq (pronounced Jacques) is Luke's partner in crime. A happy, playful mouse, he is always eager to help. Jaq has the most solo lines of all the mice, so make sure you cast a strong singer. This role requires a strong mover and character actor. The actor should be able to move, talk, and sing like a mouse. Jaq can be played by a boy or a girl.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: C4
Vocal range bottom: D3
Luke
Luke is Jaq's partner in crime. Even though he is just as playful as Jaq, he is more level-headed. He is fiercely loyal to Cinderella. Luke gets the most upset when the Stepfamily is mean to Cinderella. This role requires a strong mover and character actor. There are no solos for Luke, so cast based on acting. The actor playing Luke should be able to move, talk, and sing like a mouse. Luke can be played by a boy or a girl.
Gender: Both
Gus
Gus is the most innocent of the mice and Cinderella's biggest fan. Often simple, shy and fearful, Gus responds immediately when Cinderella calls to him. Given the additional characteristics of this famous mouse, cast an exceptionally strong mover and character actor in this part. There are only a handful of sung solo lines, so choose a stronger actor over a singer. This actor should also be able to take on the characteristics of a mouse. Gus can be played by a boy or a girl.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: B4
Vocal range bottom: D3
Other Mice
Casting extra Mice is a wonderful way to use additional children. The Mice are used in several numbers and can double as Villagers in the opening. Pick you strongest movers, even gymnasts, for these roles. There are endless opportunities to incorporate tumbling and more intricate choreography with the mice ensemble. Strong singers here will help fill out the sound of the singing mice in the big numbers.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: D4
Vocal range bottom: C3
Fairy Godmother
The Fairy Godmother is the quintessential female mentor. She is kind, gentle and loving, yet strong and extremely capable. Her goal is to help Cinderella succeed by teaching her how much power she has within herself. Cast an actress who can portray the maturity of a maternal figure. Fairy Godmother sings "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," so a strong singer must be cast in this role.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D4
Vocal range bottom: C3
Narrators
The Narrators are storytellers--the show's plot and the actions and reactions of the characters are expressed. Good narration looks easy, but requires strong actors. Cast actors that are mature enough to stand for long periods of time. Clear, loud voices with good diction are a must. These are good roles for actors that might not be your strongest singers. By redistributing the Narrators' lines, you can use fewer or more actors as needed to accommodate the number of students you have available.
Gender: Both
Town Criers
The Town Criers can be cast as one person or more than four depending on cast size. They are pivotal in all "royal announcements." Cast actors who can project their voices well for these featured roles that require no solos.
Gender: Both
King
The King is a parent who jsut wants his child to be happy. The King throws the royal ball so his son, the Prince, can meet a potential mate. Once the Prince meets and then loses Cinderella, the King does everything in his power to help his son find her again. This role requires an actor who can portray the stature of a king and the caring of a father. No solo singing is required for this part.
Gender: Male
Prince
The Prince is a young man who is not happy with his duty to find a bride. At the royal ball, he is bored and petulant. The Prince's world changes when he finally meets Cinderella. No solo singing is required in this role. Cast an actor who can portray the Prince's longing as he searches for Cinderella.
Gender: Male
Grand Duke
The Grand Duke is clearly the brains behind the royal family. He knows how much he is needed by the royal family and thinks very highly of himself. Cast this role with an actor who has good comedic timing. No solo singing is required.
Gender: Male
Herald
The Herald is a wonderful sidekick to the Grand Duke and is a good featured role. Because there are several key moments in the show that rely on the timing of the Herald (e.g., the shoe fitting), it is recommended to cast a responsible actor in this role. No solo singing is required, but comedic timing is a must.
Gender: Male
Ensemble
The Ensemble in Cinderella is used quite often. Strong singers and dancers are needed for "The Tale of Cinderella," "The Ball," "Cinderella/Dream Finale," and "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Bows." Encourage your ensemble members to create unique characters for all the villagers in the kingdom.
Gender: Both
Vocal range top: D4
Vocal range bottom: B2