JoJo

Who is JoJo?

JoJo lives in Whoville, the tiny world that Horton works so hard to protect, and is known for a rich imagination that sometimes puts JoJo at odds with more conventional expectations. This character represents youthful creativity and the value of thinking differently, themes central to Seussical's overall message.

JoJo's journey intersects with Horton's throughout the show, since Horton's determination to protect Whoville is ultimately a determination to protect JoJo and the rest of its residents.

JoJo's role in Seussical

JoJo is a supporting role, often played by a younger performer, that requires a clear, confident voice and an ability to convey wonder and curiosity on stage. The part is pivotal to the show's emotional stakes even though it is not one of the two central leads.

Because JoJo represents the innocence at the heart of the story, the role calls for sincerity and presence rather than showy vocal fireworks, letting the character's imagination shine through simple, honest performance choices.

Why JoJo resonates

JoJo resonates with audiences, especially younger ones, because the character embodies the freedom to imagine and think without limits. That spirit of open-hearted creativity is a big part of why Seussical continues to be performed by schools and theatres nationwide.

JoJo on stage vs screen

Broadway compared with the 2008 animated film Horton Hears a Who!

Both versions make JoJo the Mayor of Who-ville's son and the Who who finally makes the jungle hear. In the 2008 film, JoJo McDodd, voiced by Jesse McCartney, is the Mayor's son with 96 sisters, a quiet boy who does not want to be the next mayor and builds a musical invention called the Symphonophone; his first spoken word comes at the climax. Andrew Keenan-Bolger originated the stage JoJo on Broadway in 2000, alternating with Anthony Blair Hall.

The stage JoJo is a daydreamer who gets in trouble for his Thinks and is sent to General Genghis Khan Schmitz's military academy, in a subplot drawn from The Butter Battle Book. His Yopp saves Who-ville.

JoJo: frequently asked questions