If a recent rehearsal is any indication, the upcoming rendition of Seussical The Musical performed by Howe Sound Secondary's musical theatre class is going to be an uproarious romp.
The play, written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, is based on the famous works of Dr. Seuss.
It mixes characters from several popular Seuss children's books, but most of its plot is based on the childhood favourite, Horton Hears a Who!.
The Cat in The Hat in his distinctive red and white striped bowler, plays a key role, guiding the audience throughout.
The musical is funny and entertaining but touches on the deep themes of friendship, loyalty, and love.
At the recent rehearsal at the Eagle Eye Theatre, the cast was belting out a passionate rendition of "Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!" one of the songs in the play based on the Seuss book of the same name.
"It is a big deal for everyone in there," Grade 10 student Sage Roeder told The Chief in an interview during rehearsal.
Roeder plays JoJo.
"He is quite imaginative, so much so that it gets him into trouble," Roeder explained. "His parents see this and… they think they can't have this for their reputation, so they try to get it out of him for his own sake, but that ends up backfiring when he meets the Cat and Horton."
Fellow actress Lochlan Page is acting for the first time in the prominent role of the Cat in The Hat.
"I always wanted to, but never really got the chance," Page said, of acting, adding the musical theatre class is a diverse group of students who are supportive and accepting.
"I used to be deathly shy back in middle school," she said. "I would cry after presenting something. I came here, and I was nervous initially thinking ‘What if these people don't like me?' but they were right off the bat the nicest people I have ever met."
She said she hopes future students who come to the high school join the theatre class.
"It was just one of the best experiences I have ever had in school."
Page describes the Cat and the Hat as a "mischievous guy who messes around with everything, and he turns things around and says to be inventive and creative."
Jacqueline Hodge plays multiple roles including Yertle the Turtle.
"I love how I can express myself using a different character," she said, adding she is usually quiet and shy. "I don't have to be myself."
Evening performances of Seussical The Musical start at 7 p.m. on March 7,8,9,14,15 and 16. A Saturday matinee runs at 1 p.m. March 10 and 17 at the Eagle Eye Theatre. Tickets are available at the Howe Sound Secondary office, the Adventure Centre Store and Kaos Kids.
