character breakdowns

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• 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. (Vocal Range: D6 - 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. (Vocal Range: D6 - 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. (Vocal Range: E6 - A4)

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• 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. (Vocal Range: Eb5 - 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. (Vocal Range: E5 - 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. (Vocal Range: Eb5 - A3)

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• 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. (Vocal Range: G6 - A4)

• 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. (Vocal Range: A6 - 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. (Vocal Range: D5 - A3)

• 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. (Vocal Range: D#5 - G3)

• THE JUNGLE CREATURES - The Jungle Creatures are real people at heart, just like us, even though they may be described as animal characters. (Vocal Range: Db5 - A3)