Role Descriptions

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. Looking for a physically adept actor to play The Cat; someone who will be able to play many comic cameos, is comfortable improvising with an audience. Good singer with strong movement skills, a strong presence and comedic ability.

Main songs include:

Oh, The Thinks You Can Think
A Day for the Cat in the Hat
How Lucky You Are
Having a Hunch

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. In the end, his Thinks save his planet. Strong singer/actor.

Main songs include:

It’s Possible
Alone in the Universe
Solla Sollew
Having a Hunch

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. Strong singer/actor with good comedic timing.

Main songs include:

Horton Hears a Who
Alone in the Universe
Notice Me Horton
Solla Sollew

Gertrude McFuzz is very self-conscious and aware that her one-feather tail isn't perfect. A bird and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Very self-conscious, shy and nervous at first, she grows into a kind and caring protector. She is in love with Horton and does what she can to get his attention, including foolishly growing an enormous feathered tail. She is a bit naïve at times, but always is a voice of reason. Strong singer/actor with good movement skills and comic timing.

Main songs include:

One Feathered Tale
Amayzing Gertrude
Notice Me Horton
All For You

A bird and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Mayzie La Bird is self-centered, selfish and vain. Mayzie will never admit to her own flaws. She manipulates anyone she can (especially Horton) into doing what she wants, but she isn't all bad. Strong singer/actor with strong movement skills. Big, bold and comedic.

Main songs include:

Amayzing Mayzie
How Lucky You Are
Amayzing Horton

A kangaroo and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. She isn't really sour, she's just got a lot of attitude. She's loud, brassy and a lot of fun. She is the main antagonist and the cause of all of Horton’s trouble. A strong singer/actor with good comic ability and soulful singing. She's loud, brassy and a lot of fun.

Main songs include:

Biggest Blame Fool
Chasing the Whos
Egg, Nest, and Tree
The Trial of the People vs. Horton the Elephant

A baby kangaroo and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. She is the Sour Kangaroo's daughter and does whatever her mother does. She's very sassy with lots of attitude. Good singer/actor with comic ability.

Main songs include:

Biggest Blame Fool
Chasing the Whos
Egg, Nest, and Tree
The Trial of the People vs. Horton the Elephant

Three sassy birds and citizens of the Jungle of Nool. The popular girls in any school—a clique of pretty, self-centered "back up birds" who do whatever Mayzie does. They often act as storytellers, picking up where The Cat left off. A big presence throughout the evening. Good singer/movers with lots of soulful, sassy singing.

Main songs include:

Horton Hears a Who
Amayzing Mayzie
Amayzing Gertrude
All For You

Monkey brothers and citizens of the Jungle of Nool. These 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 side with the Sour Kangaroo in her campaign against Horton and cause more trouble for poor Horton. Strong singer/movers with lots of soulful singing, much like a hip hop group. Will be looking for people who can move well, jump high and possibly tumble.

Main songs include:

Biggest Blame Fool
Monkeying Around
Chasing the Whos
Egg, Nest, and Tree

A Who. The Mayor of Whoville and JoJo's Dad. He and his wife try 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. Strong singer/actor.

Main songs include:

Here on Who
How to Raise a Child
Solla Sollew

A Who. The Mayor's Wife and JoJo's Mom. She and her husband try 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. Strong singer/actor.

Main songs include:

Here on Who
How to Raise a Child
Solla Sollew

The Cat's main helpers and an extension of his personality. Essence of mischief, fun and imagination. They assist The Cat in many ways, either playing small roles or causing havoc. Strong comedic ability. Must be able to move well. Should be great at mime and improv. No lines or vocals (except finale).

A Who. A General who is bursting with pride at the military academy he runs, and the boys he turns out. He is not mean; he honestly thinks he is doing the right thing and is making the world a better place. Strong singer/actor with comic ability.

Main songs include:

Military Academy

The Grinch is a green beastie who lives in Whoville. He is a happy member of the Who community, but this wasn't always the case. He once lived angrily apart and wished to disrupt the pleasantry of the Whos. His story and change of heart are all part of Who culture now, and happily retold every Christmas. A fun mover with a distinctive physique.

Main songs include:

Grinch Scene

Yertle believes he has been endowed with some superior gifts not shared by the other animals and deserves a higher stature. He has a sense of entitlement and has a need for order. He likes to be the one who is looked to for decision-making and setting things right.

Main songs include:

The Trial of the People vs. Horton the Elephant

Vlad Vladikoff does the Wickershams' dirty work. In his full glory, with his large imposing wing spread, he is scary and formidable. His movement is powerful, precise and needs to be executed carefully.

They're a lot like you and me only so small as to be invisible. They live in fear that their planet is in trouble. They should be played for their inherent humanity. Strong singer/actors.

Jungle animals and other characters that live in the Jungle of Nool. They all side with the Sour Kangaroo on her campaign against Horton. Strong singer/movers.

Other roles as cast from the ensemble. Play circus animals in Mr. McGurkus' Circus, Fish, Hunches, and "Thinks" that JoJo creates. Strong singer/movers.

Main songs include:

It's Possible (McElligot's Pool)
Circus McGurkus
Solla Sollew
Having a Hunch

Cadets of General Schmitz' Military Academy and Citizens of Who. They bully JoJo. Not mean, just doing what they are told to do. Strong singer/movers.

Main songs include:

Military Academy