Seussical Roles

Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel was an American poet, cartoonist, and writer
who used children books to speak about world, human, and political issues he
felt strongly about. Starting as a World War II cartoonist later in his life, Seuss
denounced Hitler and Mussolini and supported the war. Later, he would
comment on everything from anti-war messages in support of communism to
racism to the environment. Seuss was blacklisted by the United States after
supporting communism during the Cold War and was highly criticized for his
political messages. Even today, Seuss’ messages and books are used in
support of various political and life messages, some even against his own beliefs.

Female Roles:

Gertrude McFuzz – In love with Horton and wants him to notice her. Shy, nerdy, and
out of the spotlight but craves for more.
Needs to act and sing. Vocals: Soprano

Mayzie La Bird – Lives life to the fullest. Always on the edge, center of attention.
Self-centered
Needs to act, sing and dance. Vocal: Soprano

Sour Kangaroo – Diva of the jungle. Controls everything that goes on and is very tunnel
visioned on her views of the world.
Needs to act and sing. Vocals: Alto.

Mrs. Mayor- Wants to be a good wife and help her husband and son. Shares similar
values as her husband and often becomes frustrated with her son who thinks outside the
box.
Needs to act and sing. Vocals: Soprano

The Bird Girls – small group of performers who tell stories and like to liven the mood.
Always look for excitement and thus usually follow Mayzie.
Needs to act and sing. Dance experience would be added bonus.

Male Roles:

Horton The Elephant – Protector of the defenseless. Horton is kind hearted and
generous, which often gets him into trouble. Aloof.
Needs to act and sing. Vocals: Baritone to tenor.

Mr. Mayor – Recently elected Mayor of Whoville who wants to be a good leader and
father. With war brewing in his town, Mr. Mayor tries to keep everything neat and tidy.
Expects the same from his son.
Needs to act and sing. Vocals: Baritone to tenor
Unisex Roles:

Cat In The Hat – Host and Emcee of the show. The Cat’s main objective is to stir up the
plot and create fun situations, though his/her intentions are always good.
Needs to act, sing, and dance. Vocals: alto/tenor.

JoJo – Creative thinker who is ostracized for being different. Longs for a friend who
can understand him. Forced to conform to society around him
Needs to act and sing. Vocals: Soprano/alto

General Gengus Khan Schmitz – Sees the world as black and white. Good and bad,
weak and strong, etc. Turns boys onto that to conform. His main two enemies are unruly
children and Butter Side Downers.
Needs to act and sing. Vocals: Alto/Bass

The Grinch – Formerly an angry, bitter, beast whose heart has grown and he is now a
member of Whoville who enjoys retelling his Christmas tale.
Needs to act and sing. Vocals: Alto/Bass

Yertle The Turtle – Judge of the animals. Has a sense of entitlement and likes to have the
final say in all jungle matters.
Needs to act and sing. Vocal Range: Alto/Bass

Vlad Vladikoff – Vulture who does the Wickersham Brothers dirty work.
Frightening.
Needs to move fluidly. Dance experience preferred

The Wickersham Brothers – Small group who live to impress with their strength and
agility. Love to play tricks on others by bullying and harassing them
Needs to act, sing, and move fluidly.

Ensembles:

Jungle Animals

Who Citizens

Other Seuss Characters