Leads:
Horton the Elephant (boy)
Kind, loyal, gentle, and sometimes shy.
Believes in standing up for what’s right, even when others make fun of him.
Famous for saying, “A person’s a person, no matter how small!”
Strong singer with a warm, heartfelt presence.
The Cat in the Hat
The playful narrator and trickster of the story.
Pops in and out, stirring up mischief and guiding the audience.
Funny, full of energy, and can break the “fourth wall” (talk to the audience).
Requires charisma, humor, and confidence.
Sing or speak-sing so singing not entirely required for this role.
Jojo (the Who child)
Young, imaginative, and curious.
Often gets into trouble for “thinking too many thinks.”
Represents creativity and bravery.
Needs a strong singer/actor who can show innocence and imagination.
Gertrude McFuzz (bird- girl)
Sweet, awkward, and insecure about her one small tail feather.
Loves Horton and wants him to notice her.
Learns self-confidence and becomes brave by the end.
Good role for a singer/actor who can be both funny and heartfelt.
Dancing abilities needed (latin/ballet)
Mayzie LaBird (girl)
Flashy, selfish, and full of herself—loves attention.
Leaves Horton to sit on her egg because she’s too lazy.
Big personality, fun to play, and often steals the spotlight.
Great for someone who loves comedy and sass.
Can dance to a beat having fun with latin and jazz moves.
Bird Girls (3 or more)
Backup singers and narrators.
Stylish, sassy, and supportive of Mayzie.
Sing in harmony and add flair to the show.
This is our dance team. They will dance lyrical ballet and latin.
The Whos of Whoville
Mr. Mayor & Mrs. Mayor
Jojo’s worried but loving parents.
They try to help Jojo “think responsibly.”
Caring, comic roles that work well as a pair.
The Wickersham Brothers (3 or more boys or girls)
Monkey gang—mischievous, teasing troublemakers.
Like a comedy trio/group, always causing chaos.
Great roles for high-energy actors who like clowning around.
Possible light hip hop dancing.
Sour Kangaroo (and Young Kangaroo)
Loud, bold, and a little bossy.
Doesn’t believe Horton and loves to mock him.
Soulful, powerful singer with attitude.
Young Kangaroo is her mini-me, often echoing her lines.
Thing 1 & 2
Doesn't have any speaking lines, sings with the chorus.
Must audition still so we can see your big silly character. But you don't have to sing well, you could even speak the words and show us something funny for 1 minute..
Requires charisma, humor, and confidence.
FUN CAMEOS WITH SHORT LINES AND TINY SOLOS:
The Grinch
Yertle the Turtle
Vlad Vladikoff
Ensemble characters with no audition needed:
Citizens of Whoville.
Jungle Animals
Quick Tip for Students
Love being funny? → Cat in the Hat, Mayzie, Wickershams.
Love being kind and brave? → Horton, Jojo, Gertrude.
Love being big and bold? → Sour Kangaroo, Bird Girls.
Don't want a solo but still want a fun silly part? → Thing 1 & 2
Want a tiny solo? → Yertle, Vlad, Grinch, Young Kangaroo,