Lighting needs to reinforce the spectacle of the production, as well as provide whimsy and the imaginative quality that is present in Dr. Seuss’s works. Lighting can also play a crucial role in differentiating between Horton’s world and the Who’s world in appearance, but also in mood and tone.

Lighting can be the building blocks through which this world is created. For example, when the boy creates the jungle lighting can provide the brilliant blue sky, out of nothing, just like imagination. Going further, lighting can help to create water, trees, movement. Lighting is a tool of the imagination, and I see this production very well set up to take advantage of that quality.

In terms of the overall arc, tone, and purpose I see a story of naive hope, the belief that everything has its purpose, and that even the most insignificant can make all the difference. The story is very much geared toward a younger audience, but the message can be understood and enjoyed by all. I’ll be honest, I see the meaning as very transparent and the core message is really what it seems to be. Jojo, the smallest Who, is responsible for helping save his entire world and that is a very powerful message.

To be honest, I really see this musical as “fun”. Its lighthearted, warm, whimsical, and an overall joy to read. I’m excited to push lighting’s role in creating the Seussian world. The word “spectacle” keeps on coming back to me and sticking in my mind. Seuss’s work is so full of color and life, and I feel that needs to come through on stage, in a very big way. No conformity, allow and embrace free thinking and wild imagination.

Colorful    Lively    Fun    Spectacle    Bright

Movement    Saturated    Whimsical    Wonder

Awe    Mischief    Discovery    Selflessness    Vanity

Genuine    Naïve    Friendship    Love

“[They] tapped into the same thing that Lucas tapped into when he wrote Star Wars. It’s the [idea] that every kid has the potential to be something more than they are”

-Alex Albrecht

Diggnation