North Montgomery Middle School will present the musical, “Seussical Jr.,” in the auditorium at North Montgomery High School.
More than 70 middle school students are involved in the cast and crew. Several North Montgomery High School students also are helping out behind the scenes with cast hair and make-up, along with technical aspects of the production.
“Seussical Jr.” is inspired by many different Dr. Seuss stories, but primarily focuses on “Horton Hears a Who,” “Horton Hatches the Egg” and “The Cat in the Hat.”
The production has been described by many who are involved as colorful, fun and chaotic.
The stage includes an elaborate Dr. Seuss book jungle gym which features a zip-line that will be used during the show. One of the directors, Daniel Martin, said a lot of safety testing was done and there are mats underneath the prop as an added precaution.
Parents have been supportive, bringing food, helping with dress rehearsals and building props.
Martin hopes those who attend the play will have as much fun as the students who are taking part in it.
“It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs to be something that the kids love doing and have super fun with. Hopefully, the parents will come and feel the same way,” Martin said.
Megan Birk, another director of the play, encouraged many of her choir students to try out for the musical.
“I try to tell everybody, you need to do one musical in your lifetime,” Birk said. “Everyone should experience just being a part of a musical ... it’s like magic.”
Emrik Phillips, who plays Horton, is one of those students who took Birk’s advice. He also appeared in last year’s musical, Aladdin. His favorite thing about being in this musical is how it’s always changing.
“It’s never the same, always something weird or crazy,” Phillips said.
Preslee Claycomb plays Gertrude Fuzz, a character who goes through a big journey of self-discovery. Claycomb also was a part of Aladdin last year.
“Seussical is more imaginative, I feel like. There’s a lot of creative freedom,” Claycomb said.
Performance will be at 7 p.m. today and Saturday, and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 adults and $8 students. Tickets may only be purchased online at www.vancoevents.com/us/eventlist/nmmsfinearts/.
