Stage name: Nic Campos
Character: Horton
Country / Year / Production: Philippines / 2011 / Repertory Philippines Children's Theatre
What's Seussical really about?
I'd say it's about having faith. Faith in possibility. Faith in the form of standing up for yourself but also the belief someone sees the world as you do.
Who are you in the play? What did you learn from your character?
Horton the Elephant. I remembered what it was like to be totally dedicated to something, believe in it with your whole self.
Learned anything from the play?
It was my first musical in five years so I learned a lot. I re-learned how a mostly non-musical actor fares best in a musical.
What's the audience saying?
It's one of the most intelligent children's theater productions they've seen. Even adults really enjoy it. They call it moving in all senses of the world. Funny, energetic, colorful, touching.
Did you put much of yourself into the character?
I remembered parts of my younger self to play Horton. I was a chubby kid so I had to recall that while creating Horton's movements. I didn't have much trouble understanding Horton's heart or trusting (to a fault) nature. I think I gave Horton a healthy dose of curiosity and intelligence, which I don't think are always emphasized in portrayals of the character.
How was the rehearsing process?
Pretty intense. Our production has quite a bit of choreography so we had some very fun movement workshops. But sometimes as Horton you pop in for one line or sit still while a number happens around you. So I felt quite a bit of stop-and-go. I worked at the music pretty hard. Coming from mostly straight theater, it made me nervous.
As the lyrics say... Is anything possible?
I'd say so. Yes.
- Interview