Day in the Life: Coty Cockrell

Seussical the Musical's Cat in the Hat

By: Toni Merriss

Posted: 2/22/07

In the Dr. Seuss books, he encourages you to think. Thinks you think its impossible to think. A mischievous cat, that same familiar cat, who brightens every page while sporting his white striped hat.

Currently on stage here at JSU, Coty Cockrell entertains, with his twists and swiggles. Go ahead, you will laugh, and quite possibly even giggle.

That's enough rhyming for now, you see, there are no poets here. Not you and most definitely, not me.

Cockrell, a senior music major from Huntsville, has recently been showcasing one of his multiple talents on stage in Seussical the Musical as the multifaceted Cat in the Hat.

"Being cast as the Cat in the Hat has by far been the most gratifying experience I have ever had. I got to put a lot of my own characteristics into playing him, which has made it really fun for me," said Cockrell. Although he felt overwhelmed at first, once he was given the go ahead by director Eric Traynor to expand on the part, he got to really let loose.

Performing is nothing new to this musical mastermind. Cockrell began playing the piano at only age four. The former Marching Southerner also plays the flute, violin, percussion, cello, guitar, accordion and the harp.

A self labeled "chronic joiner," Cockrell was bitten by the acting bug while only a junior in high school.

"I started out in band and then I was talked into joining show choir. My school had gotten a new drama coach who was incredible so I ended up trying out for the school musical, Once Upon a Mattress," said Cockrell. "I played a mute king but it was a lot of fun. Ever since then I have tried to get involved whenever it was possible for me."

Although the cast has only been working on Seussical for around six weeks, Cockrell's research began much sooner due to the large part the Cat in the Hat plays in the story.

"As soon as I was cast, I began learning the music. All the songs are really fun so that part was not hard at all," said Cockrell. "I think something that really helped was that the show was tailored to the cast and not the other way around, like so many other productions. They really tried to emphasize everyone's strengths."

A day in the shoes . . . or, well, paws of a cat could hardly be called typical but Cockrell is finding that he enjoys having nine lives. Though he does wish that each of those lives gave him a little bit more free time.

Cockrell usually begins his day by practicing a piano accompaniment piece, and then heads off to an art class. After grabbing some food, he makes a stop at Chamber Winds practice before going to his World Regional Geography class.

"I like my geography class. Though sometimes because I am so tired from my hectic schedule I have to find activities to keep myself awake. Usually I will knit in class or teach myself to write backwards," said Cockrell. "Both of those take up some time and it is better than sleeping through class. Actually, one of the scarves I knitted in class is being used in Seussical."

Rehearsal for Seussical was varied in activity but Cockrell was there to watch all the pieces fall into place. Most nights the cast would meet from about 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

"We would switch off between vocal lessons, choreography and mainly just getting a feel for our characters. It was impossible to get burnt out on this production. Anytime we would get a little bored, things were changed so it was always moving forward," said Cockrell. "The director was really great about scheduling too. Some people still had to work outside of the production, so that really helped."

Cockrell frequently keeps himself busy even during the summers. He has gotten the chance in the past to work in some professional theater in North Carolina both acting and directing.

"Acting has been my guilty pleasure. I think that is why I did not major in drama. I was worried that if I had to do it, I would not enjoy it as much," said Cockrell. "I guess you could say that acting is like my love affair I haven't wanted to acknowledge."

Though Cockrell prefers musical theater because it allows him to use all his talents instead of just one, he has recently auditioned for a cruise line playing the piano as a job after graduation. Around Christmas he plans on returning to North Carolina to continue working on the stage but would like to eventually end up in New York on Broadway. Graduate school may be an option later on but for the time being, Cockrell would like to take a break from classes.

For now, Cockrell would just like savor the moment and his time in Seussical, and let his inner cat out.