July 23, 2026 by Ally Donnelly (Photos by Joshua Ross)
The Cat in the Hat, Jojo, Horton, and all the Whos down in Whoville come to life tonight through Saturday at Hingham High School.
Oh, the thinks you will think with this cast of colorful and beloved Suess characters–Thing 1 and Thing 2, Amazing Mayzie and the Bird Girls, Gertrude McFuzz, the Wickersham Brothers, the Grinch and Max, the Lorax–the list goes on! The show, run by South Shore teens and actors from 7-17, delivers wonderful music and timeless lessons for all.
Twelve-year-old Chloe Hedrick of Hull plays Cat in the Hat, “The show celebrates kindness, creativity, and believing in yourself,” she said. “I hope the audience leaves feeling inspired, entertained, and reminded that even the smallest person can make a big difference.
At the heart of the story is Horton the Elephant, who discovers a tiny world living on a speck of dust and learns the importance of standing up for others—even when no one else believes him that this tiny world and its tiny inhabitants exist.
17-year-old John Heffernan of Hingham, plays Horton, “The show presents two different worlds and what they represent in our society,” he said. “It shows that people can have different views, judge and be judged, but minds can be changed.”
12-year-old Vivian Bernard of Hingham says Suessical is a great way to share such powerful messages, “The show is so much fun. The music is a blast and the cast and crew are awesome. People will love it.”
For Kids’ Cabaret co-program director Dahlia Hedrick, this year’s production has special meaning.
“I started in the program when I was 8 years old,” says 20-year-old Hedrick. “And my first-ever show was Seussical. Getting the chance to direct the same show that started my theater journey has been a full-circle moment.”
Now in her fourth year as staff Hedrick says the experience continues to inspire her.
“Working with these kids has been such a pleasure,” she said. “We’ve seen new people rise to the occasion and explore new possibilities within the program. Audiences can expect to see a wide range of talents, wonderful character stories, and an overall adventure.”
Co-program director Alec Whitmore shares a similar connection to the organization. This summer marks his ninth year with Kids’ Cabaret, a program he credits with helping shape both his love of theater and his future ambitions.
“What keeps me coming back isn’t just my passion for theater,” Whitmore said. “It’s the pure joy of working with such a talented group of kids.”
Whitmore said the energy and enthusiasm the performers bring to rehearsals each day is what makes the program special.
“They always arrive with radiant smiles and incredible energy,” he said. “Even at a young age, they demonstrate so much talent, and watching them grow into strong, confident performers has been a real gift. Kids’ Cabaret is the ultimate place to celebrate and support our rising young artists.”
The cast and crew have dedicated their summer to ensuring Suessical is a hit. The unique structure with young adults running the program gives both cast and crew an opportunity to build confidence, forge friendships, and creating lasting memories. Because after all, “a person’s a person no matter how small.”
Suessical opens at Hingham High School tonight and runs through Saturday. Tickets are available in person and online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kids-cabaret-presents-seussical-tickets-1993334568353
Skip the parking and pick up hassle, the new Loop shuttle will be providing free rides to the show for kids. Download the Loop app to book a ride. https://loopshuttle.com
View all the photos from this amazing production by Joshua Ross in the slideshow below!
