Growing up, one of our favorite books was “If I Ran the Circus” by Dr. Seuss. If you haven’t read it, I wholeheartedly recommend it as it remains one of my all-time favorite children’s books. Here's a brief synopsis from Jack St. Rebor on Seussblog:
“The story opens with young Morris McGurk telling us that his favorite place in the whole town is an old vacant lot behind Sneelock’s Store. He is walking along the edge of the fence that surrounds the lot and old Sneelock is calmly smoking a pipe as he leans in the doorway of his shop with his eyes closed, unaware of the amazing world that Morris McGurk is about to involve him in.
Morris McGurk decides he could easily clean up the vacant lot and put up some tents for his circus, which he’ll call The Circus McGurkus!
“The World’s Greatest Show
On the face of the earth, or wherever you go!”
As Morris McGurk imagines all the amazing animals, and events at his wonderful Circus McGurkus he also includes old Sneelock, starting by simply saying:
“After all, Mr. Sneelock is one of my friends.
He might even help out doing small odds and ends.
Doing little odd jobs, he could be of some aid…
Such as selling balloons and pink lemonade.”But as the story goes on and The Circus McGurkus becomes more grand. Mr. Sneelock is involved in more and more daring feats, such as having an arrow shot at his head, or going through a course of Stickle-Bush Trees on Roller-Skate-Skis! As the feats become steadily more dangerous, Sneelock’s costumes become more ridiculous. He goes from his normal pants, long sleeve shirt and vest, to a full marching band outfit, as well as a Colonel’s uniform, a fur Tarzan-like leotard, and eventually shirtless with bright red leggings as he jumps into a fish bowl (that is shockingly like the fish bowl in The Cat in the Hat). All of this, Sneelock does with his pipe in his mouth and his little round glasses on his nose.
At the end of the story, we come back to the first image, but now Morris is leaning confidently against a tree gesturing to the empty lot and old Sneelock, saying:
“Why! He’ll be a Hero!
Of course he won’t mind
When he finds he has
A big circus behind.”
And Sneelock, as if he’s heard the whole story, is wide-eyed with concern at what is expected of him in this fantastical Circus McGurkus.”
(If you’d like to read it in its entirety here is the link Seussblog)
Similarly, in our theatre journey, our parents, Josh and Diana Morriss, have always been our steadfast supporters, affectionately earning the nickname "The Sneelocks." Like Mr. Sneelock, they assist with countless “small odds and ends,” as well as significant tasks that ensure the success of our shows. Whether behind the scenes or stepping in wherever needed, they enable us to dream big and bring our theatrical visions to life, even if it means extra work and wear on them and their resources.
Their dedication and support remind us of the invaluable role Mr. Sneelock plays in Morris McGurk’s circus—always there, always helping, and never minding the extra effort. This journey with SCT wouldn’t be the same without our very own Sneelocks, and for all those moments, we are deeply grateful that they love us, support us and truly “don’t mind”.
