The Cat in the Hat is one of many Dr. Seuss characters set to spark entertainment in the spring musical production of Fox Chapel Area High School’s “Seussical.”
A cast of more than 100 students will present “Seussical” from March 3-6 in the high school auditorium.
The family-friendly, whimsical show is based on the lyrics of Dr. Seuss, with plenty of storytelling amid oversized colorful landscapes.
The show is led by the FCASD choir and vocal director and producer Benjamin Murray. The Associate Principal is Stephanie Reilly, FCAHS Online Coordinator, College Readiness and Career Teacher.
Anna Szymanski, Lilly Adamo and Carolyn Caracciolo make up the student-led production team.
Senior and veteran stage performer Lydia Tuthill plays Thing 1. She said her favorite song number in the musical is “Oh the Thinks You Can Think”.
“It brings all the characters to life and it will keep audiences super excited to watch the rest of the show,” Tuthill said.
On a mission with the cast of “Seussical” @ Fox Chapel Area High School. Inasmuch as@FCASDInasmuch as@FCStudentSecInasmuch as@VNDNewsInasmuch as@TribLIVEInasmuch as@FoxChapelHeraldInasmuch as pic.twitter.com/Zg4SwGCYrG
— Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) February 8, 2022
Sophomore Chloe Kim teams up with Tuthill onstage as Thing 2. It’s the mischievous little “things” that drag the cat into the hat, causing trouble.
Kim said her last time on stage was in 2020. “It’s really exciting to be back after almost two years. The fun of being with the cast and the hard work to put together something amazing I missed them,” Kim said.
Audiences will travel to quirky fictional locations such as the McGurkus Circus and the Nool Jungle, a Seussian fantasyland where the story takes place.
Murray, in his ninth year as director, said the choice of “Seussical” was a collaborative choice with the entire production team.
“We wanted something fun and with lots of opportunities for students to get involved,” Murray said.
Another reason?
“We have an amazing instrumental program at FCAHS. Finding a show that features both string and wind instruments was important and an absolute must,” Murray said.
With themes of friendship, loyalty, love and community, the characters Jo-Jo and Horton the elephant join the narrator The Cat in the Hat on a whimsical journey involving Horton protecting an abandoned egg and discovering a microscopic world of people nicknamed the Whos on a speck of dust. Other featured characters include Gertrude McFuzz and Lazy Mayzie.
Students chosen for the lead roles include seniors Gabby Bell, Simeon Owens, Tuthill, Maddie Dick and Jack Lorence and sophomores Emily Harajda and Kim.
Reilly said the messages running through “Seussical” are positive.
“We learn from Horton the power of holding on no matter how many forces oppose you. We see the Whos not giving up, even when their world is literally rocked and no one seems to care,” Reilly said.
The FCAHS Music Department and Mr. Gass’ Technical Education Class teamed up to create sets for the show.
Kim said the directors gave her and Tuthill complete freedom with their Thing 1 and 2 roles.
“I love being able to do pretty much anything I want. Mr. Murray finds it really fitting when we’re improvising on location,” Kim said.
All guests are required to follow covid-19 guidelines and masks are mandatory.
Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. on February 24.
Joyce Hanz is editor of Tribune-Review. You can contact Joyce at 724-226-7725, [email protected] or via Twitter .
