by Noah King
“Seussical Jr.” is based on the works of children’s book author-illustrator Theodor Seuss Geisel, and STEP VA Inc., a local 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to “empowering individuals with disabilities and their families through creative expression and sensory exploration,” is performing the show.
In doing so, show organizers have decided to re-invent the role of the Cat in the Hat, played by Ryan O’Meara, by adding a new character: the living embodiment of Dr. Seuss himself, in the form of Grant Hobbs. Warrick Couture joins the show too, as the third main character: Jojo the Who.
O’Meara, who previously played Woodstock to Couture’s “Snoopy” in “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown!,” as well as the hyena, “Ed,” in STEP VA's staging of Disney's “The Lion King, Kids!” is excited about being in “Seussical Jr.” His character, the Cat in the Hat, is one of his favorite characters from the Dr. Seuss Universe.
“[I really like the dancing],” O’Meara said. [“I liked my ‘Woodstock’] costume in [‘Charlie Brown’.” The costume department, happily, is hard at work making costumes for “Seussical Jr.”, so hopefully they’ve made a costume that’s perfect for O’Meara’s character.
O’Meara’s favorite Dr. Seuss book (and, by extension, his favorite song from the show) is “Oh, The Thinks You Can Think.”
“[I can’t wait for my parents to see me] sing[ing in the show],” O’Meara said.
Hobbs will be playing the Cat’s voice, Dr. Seuss. The role of the Cat was split in two, allowing O’Meara to act and dance—and sing!—while Hobbs will speak the lines, as well as sing.
“[I really like] getting to say random things and really getting to over-express myself,” Hobbs said.
Hobbs’ favorite Dr. Seuss book is “Green Eggs and Ham,” the basis for the final song in “Seussical Jr.” His favorite character is “Jojo,” who is played by co-star Couture. Hobbs previously played lead character Charlie Brown in STEP VA’s production of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown!” (alongside Couture as Charlie’s pet dog, Snoopy).
“I can’t wait to put myself out there and do something I normally wouldn’t do…and try to be an animated character,” Hobbs said.
Couture portrays Jojo the Who in “Seussical Jr.” Jojo is the son of the Mayor of Whoville and his wife, and the family serves as a “bridge” of sorts between the Jungle of Nool and Whoville, by helping Horton (from Nool) communicate with the people of Whoville.
“I love how centered it is,” Couture said. “There’s more character development and more growth.”
Couture’s favorite Dr. Seuss books are “the book about the dentists” (referring to Seuss’ 1981 publication “The Tooth Book”) and “The Cat in the Hat.” His favorite character, besides the Cat, is his pachyderm co-star, Horton the Elephant. Couture last played Snoopy in “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown!” and was previously seen as Timon in “Disney’s ‘The Lion King, KIDS!’”
“In the past few shows, I’ve been known to talk really, really fast, even when I don’t even realize [it],” Couture said. “I[‘ve] learned to take it slow on the dialogue, even though there’s very little of it.”
While he’s working on his delivery, that’s not the only thing Couture wants to impart on those who come see the show.
“I hope the audience learns it’s OK to have an imagination,” he added.
Come throw down your hats with Ryan, Grant, Warrick, and the rest of STEPVA when you come see “Seussical Jr.” at Courtland High School. The show will take place on April 13th and 14th. To learn more or get tickets, please visit www.stepva.org
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STEP VA, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides sensory-based theater and arts programs for individuals with disabilities. Its vision is to transform the world by offering each individual the opportunity to flourish in the community.