by Jody Key — Photo Credit Angie Johnson — March 16, 2019

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? How about dinner and a show in beautiful Dahlonega? The Historic Holly Theatre’s Children’s Performance Academy is starting off their season with the fun and whimsical production Seussical JR, and they’ve outdone themselves this time!

This show is a mash-up of Seuess’s two classics Horton Hears a Who and Horton Hatches the Egg. Written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty of Once on This Island fame, this is a story with stellar music which pays perfect tribute to beloved children’s book author Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss.

Director Ginny King has been blessed with a phenomenal cast of kids. She has added some creative touches to this show, with comic relief by the monkeys between scenes, beautiful and colorful costumes, and some delightful scene direction, especially in the number “Solla Sellew”. In addition, musical director Halli Rider brings out the best in these children’s voices. Every note from every lead character is pitch-perfect and the harmonies blend beautifully.

Holden Shanks plays The Cat In the Hat opposite Ian Johnson as JoJo. Both of these talented young men have years of theater experience and it’s evident in their ability as triple threats. In addition, Adrian Ramsey as Mayzie lights up the stage and is larger than life.

I really enjoyed the performance of Zoe Simmons as Gertrude McFuzz. She’s cute as a button as the shy and demure love interest opposite Horton. Speaking of Horton, that role is double cast with Jonathan Matthews and Noah Stapp. I happened to see Jonathan Matthews last night, and his vocals are spot-on and very pleasant.

Other Key-Noteworthy performances were delivered by the following: Sour and Young Kangaroo Mary and Hildegarde Helvie; Bird Girls Cassidy Murray and Jewels Tillery; Mr. and Mrs. Mayor Caleb Rogers and Sarah Wynn Caston; Thing 1 Connor Green; and Wikersham Brothers Kai Garner, Matthew Conway, and Roy Conway.

Come enjoy this fun show which runs this weekend only Friday and Saturday at 7:00 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Get your tickets today by calling 706-530-5262 or visit the website athttp://www.hollytheater.com/