‘Seussical’ should hold youngsters rapt

There aren’t any green eggs in the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse’s production of “Seussical the Musical,” but there’s plenty of ham. And, as it turns out, it’s pretty well done.

Hamminess hardly is a detriment when it comes to Stephen Flaherty, Lynn Ahrens and Eric Idle’s tribute to children’s author Dr. Seuss. After all, the show is geared to the peanut gallery and devoted to capturing, and holding, youngsters’ attention ? something director John Blaylock and his animated cast accomplish splendidly.

Theodor Seuss Geisel created a wonderful subculture of nonsensical creatures and worlds for children to explore, and a good share of them are present in “Seussical.” Their stories intertwine and reconnect, bringing these mythical figures effortlessly from the page to the stage.

Blaylock presides over a potpourri of perpetual motion in the Costa Mesa production, bolstered by musical director Stephen Hulsey and ? in particular ? choreographer Edward Bangasser, assisted by Megan Endicott-Morrow. Their contributions are especially impressive, weaving the various characters through a whirlwind of ensemble numbers.

At the center of all the craziness is the ubiquitous Cat in the Hat, here interpreted by Brian Wessels as a fervent mixture of the most outrageous moments of Robin Williams and Jim Carrey. Wessels does everything but swing from the chandelier, and he’d likely do that too if the theater had one.

At the other end of the emotional spectrum is the central figure in the story, Horton the elephant, who’s too much of a good Samaritan for his own good. Marc Montminy injects an aura of clunky sweetness into his character as he simultaneously attempts to save a tiny civilization and guard an egg left by its flighty mother.

The avian elements are particularly effective ? Jennifer Fyffe as the wallflower Gertrude McFuzz and Montica Reeves as the flashy, trashy Mayzie LaBird. They’re backed by a chorus line of chirping cuties ? Nikki Martensen, Emily Price and Jessica Woodard.

The imperiled citizens of Whoville ? Mayor Trent Sheldon, his wife Cathy Petz and their youngsters Chandler Stager and Cynthia Price ? are appealing, though young Chandler could use a body mike given his importance to the story and requirements of clarity.

Nepotism works well in this show as Danny Blaylock, the director’s brother, storms around the set as the militaristic general whose character mirrors the headlines of today, even though the show is 6 years old. Stephen Reifenstein makes a cuddly post-conversion Grinch, and Amie Shapiro is a tangy Sour Kangaroo.

With all this abundant talent present, one might imagine a diminutive 13-year-old girl would have trouble getting noticed, much less stealing her scenes. Well, Noelle Carney accomplishes both tasks beautifully as the Little Kangaroo and various other characters with her head-turning dancing ability and forceful presence. This young lady is destined for big things down the road.

Pleasingly packed into a two-hour time frame, “Seussical” is a magical world populated by some of the good doctor’s most memorable creations, given life with a consummate glee in the civic playhouse interpretation.