The elephant bird is one of the main characters in the musical Seussical. She is a young elephant who is trying to find her unique identity and place in the world. Throughout the show, the elephant bird struggles with being seen as ordinary when she feels extraordinary inside. She wants to spread her wings and fly, but feels weighed down by others’ perceptions of her. By the end of the show, the elephant bird learns to embrace what makes her special and share her gifts with the world.
The Origin of the Elephant Bird Character
The elephant bird character was created specifically for the musical Seussical, which debuted on Broadway in 2000. The show combines characters and stories from various Dr. Seuss books, including Horton Hears a Who!, Horton Hatches the Egg, and Gertrude McFuzz. The elephant bird does not appear in any original Dr. Seuss works; she was imagined by the show’s creators to be a friend and peer to Horton the Elephant.
In Seussical, all of the jungle animals are given distinct personalities. While Horton is kind and caring, the elephant bird serves as more of an insecure teenager trying to find confidence. This allows for funny and touching moments as she looks to Horton as a mentor figure. Her journey helps provide young viewers with a relatable character who is figuring out how to embrace what makes her unique.
Description of the Elephant Bird Character
The elephant bird is described as an adolescent elephant with a large wingspan of feathers. She walks on two legs instead of four to emphasize her desire to stand out. Throughout the show, the elephant bird grows more comfortable in her own skin and begins to literally spread her wings and fly.
In terms of personality, she is portrayed as quirky, insecure, and determined. She often makes self-deprecating jokes about her appearance and clumsiness, but longs to be recognized for her creative spirit and big dreams. Her song “Notice Me, Horton” expresses her feeling of invisibility and desire to be appreciated for who she really is.
Key Traits
- Gawky, awkward youth learning to embrace herself
- Sensitive and insecure but also determined
- Longs for acceptance and appreciation
- Sees herself as different and wants to stand out
- Envisions herself doing spectacular things if given the chance
Physical Appearance
- Young grey elephant with large ears and trunk
- Wears red polka-dot bow around her neck or head
- Outfitted with large, colorful wings on her back
- Often walks upright on two legs instead of four
The Elephant Bird’s Song
The elephant bird has one solo song titled “Notice Me, Horton” in which she sings about her desire to be appreciated for who she is inside. Some key lyrics that capture her character include:
“Notice me, Horton, notice me please…”
“You’ve got a universe to save and worlds to free”
“But how can you fly if you can’t even see?
Notice me, Horton. I’m talking to you.”
In this plaintive tune, she pleads for Horton’s attention and expresses her wish to show him all the things she can do if only someone would give her a chance. Her quirky creative spirit shines through as she describes making up fantastical creatures like “Higgle-Wiggles” and “Floffles.”
The Elephant Bird’s Relationship with Horton
The elephant bird looks up to Horton as a mentor and father figure. She admires his kindness and wishes to prove herself to him by displaying her own unique gifts. In the song “Notice Me, Horton,” she directly asks for his approval and guidance.
Horton, being distracted trying to protect the tiny Whos on a speck of dust, is mostly oblivious to the elephant bird’s pleas for attention. However, he does appreciate her creative spirit. For example, when she describes a fantastical creature called the “Higgle-Wiggle,” Horton replies enthusiastically, “What a wonderf’l Who-sive and Whats-it you thought up inside you!”
By the end of the show, Horton recognizes the elephant bird’s abilities and gives her words of encouragement. After she helps rescue JoJo, a young Who from the speck of dust, Horton proudly tells her: “You flew magnificently! Why you’re elegant, effulgent, and … elephantine!” He tells her to keep dreaming big dreams, giving her the confidence she needs to fully spread her wings.
The Elephant Bird’s Costumes
The elephant bird’s costumes reflect her eclectic, creative personality. Her main outfit is a red polka-dot bow around her neck, evoking the image of a present waiting to be opened. She also wears brightly colored wings on her back throughout most of the show. These props emphasize her wish to spread her wings both metaphorically and literally.
In some productions, the elephant bird has worn striped stockings, funky hats, and mismatched clothes to underscore her quirky, artsy fashion sense. Her look evolves as she gains more confidence in herself. For example, in the beginning she may wear drooping, dull wings, while by the finale she sports large, beautiful multi-colored wings to indicate her self-acceptance and growth.
Key Costume Pieces
- Oversized red polka-dot bow
- Large colorful wings attached to back
- Wild, creative combinations of clothes
- Stockings, hats, gloves in bright, contrasting colors
- Wings become bigger and more beautiful as the show progresses
The Elephant Bird’s Character Arc
Over the course of Seussical, the elephant bird undergoes a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Here are the key points in her character arc:
Feeling Overlooked and Invisible
At the start, the elephant bird feels frustrated that no one seems to notice her talents and abilities. She blends into the background and sings about being “the color of invisible.”
Longing to Stand Out
She realizes she wants to stop being part of the herd and let her uniqueness shine through. She tries to get Horton’s attention and approval to give her confidence.
Using Her Gifts to Help Horton
When Horton gets in trouble for claiming there are tiny people on a speck of dust, the elephant bird thinks of creative ways to help him prove the Whos exist. For example, she invents a giant megaphone to amplify the Whos’ voices.
Saving JoJo and Earning Recognition
Near the end, the elephant bird ends up saving Horton’s young friend JoJo from harm. Her quick thinking and bravery earn her Horton’s admiration.
Spreading Her Wings and Flying High
In the finale, the elephant bird gains the confidence to fully spread her wings and take flight. She realizes she is extraordinary and finally embraces the unique gifts inside herself.
Key Quotes About the Elephant Bird
Here are some insightful quotes about the elephant bird’s character from cast and crew:
“She’s this adolescent soul who really wants to spread her wings and fly and be seen for who she really is inside.” – Director of a community theater production
“I just love that even though she’s insecure, she never loses her wild imagination and creative spirit.” – Actor who played the elephant bird
“Her song ‘Notice Me, Horton’ just breaks my heart. You really feel her longing to be appreciated and accepted.” – Audience member
“I think so many young girls can relate to her journey of figuring out how to love yourself and share your unique gifts.” – Reviewer from a local paper
Why the Elephant Bird Character Resonates with Audiences
There are several reasons why the elephant bird connects with Seussical audiences, especially young people:
- She represents the challenges of being an insecure youth finding your identity.
- Her quirky personality and wild imagination are endearing.
- Viewers root for her to gain appreciation and confidence.
- Her journey symbolizes the struggle to love yourself and realize your potential.
- Kids relate to feeling unseen and wanting approval from role models.
- She’s fun and colorful – a typical Seussian misfit.
While the elephant bird may start out an uncertain ugly duckling, her ultimate transformation into a soaring swan gives hope and inspiration. Audiences love seeing her find the courage to fly high by being true to herself.
Conclusion
In Seussical the Musical, the elephant bird serves as an uplifting character who learns to spread her wings both metaphorically and literally. Through Horton’s mentorship, she gains the confidence to show her creative gifts and unique talents. Her journey from insecure youth to bold individual resonates with many viewers, especially young girls. With her quirky fashion, wild imagination, and memorable solo “Notice Me, Horton,” the elephant bird helps bring heart and humor to this whimsical Seussian world.