SEUSSICAL with Kevin Chamberlin
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Kevin Chamberlin, a three-time Tony nominee and originator of Horton the Elephant in the Broadway musical *Seussical*, shares the tumultuous journey of bringing Dr. Seuss’s whimsical universe to life on stage. What began as a magical workshop in Toronto—featuring Andrea Martin as the Cat in the Hat and a bidding war among producers—quickly became a logistical and artistic nightmare. Despite the show’s initial three-hour runtime, disastrous costumes, and a director change, Chamberlin reveals how the production’s soul was salvaged through radical reinvention: stripping away literal costumes for black T-shirts, embracing Paul Sills’ Story Theater-style imagination, and reworking the entire aesthetic under Tony Walton’s vibrant palette. The episode dives deep into the emotional core of *Seussical*—its themes of loyalty, self-acceptance, and the power of imagination—while exposing how a show deemed a 'flop' by critics became a cult favorite through fan devotion, stunt casting (including Rosie O’Donnell and Aaron Carter), and enduring songs like 'Notice Me, Horton' and 'Alone in the Universe.' Chamberlin reflects on the show’s legacy not as a commercial success, but as a testament to the resilience of theater and the transformative power of belief in the absurd.
The original *Seussical* workshop in Toronto was so magical that producers fought to bring it to Broadway, but the show’s early versions were plagued by bad costumes and a 3-hour runtime.
Costumes were scrapped and replaced with black T-shirts and red/white striped linings to restore the show’s imaginative spirit, inspired by Paul Sills’ Story Theater.
Kevin Chamberlin played Horton with childlike sincerity—finding truth in the absurd—making the character the emotional spine of the show.
Despite one Tony nomination and harsh reviews, *Seussical* became a beloved cult show thanks to fan loyalty, Rosie O’Donnell’s endorsement, and viral moments like the Broadway Rave.
The show’s enduring power lies in its themes: loyalty, self-acceptance, and imagination—especially in songs like 'Alone in the Universe' and 'It’s Possible.'
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Kevin Chamberlin’s New Play: *When Playwrights Kill*
Chamberlin discusses his upcoming farcical play about a disastrous Broadway tryout, featuring a star-studded musical theater cast and a comedic homage to theater’s chaos.
Chamberlin’s Broadway Journey: From *Triumph of Love* to *Seussical*
Parsons reflects on Chamberlin’s career milestones, including his Tony nominations across acting categories and his origin role as Horton, setting the stage for the deep dive into *Seussical*.
The Toronto Workshop: Birth of a Magical Show
“It was magical. It was a magical workshop.”
The Creative Puzzle: Weaving Seuss’s Worlds into One Night
“They realized that they could have these other stories collide into him because you have all the Whoville and then you have Grinch and you have the jungle...”
“Just find that childlike innocence. And you are the heart and soul of that show.”
“She didn't understand what the critics were talking about. And a few seasons before, she was really credited for helping Titanic, pardon the pun,”
“You can't escape yourself by just changing the outer shell, you know? No. And body acceptance too.”
Host
Guest
Dr. Seuss
person
Kevin Chamberlin
person
Lynn Ahrens
person
Stephen Flaherty
person
Rosie O'Donnell
person
Andrea Martin
person
Rob Marshall
person
Eric Idle
person
Tony Walton
person
Aaron Carter
person
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