After three weeks of intensive training and rehearsals, Squamish's future stars take to the stage Friday and Saturday evening (Aug. 10 and 11). Broadway or Bust Performing Arts Camp wraps up this weekend with Seussical Jr., a musical act that takes characters from the pages of Dr. Seuss books.
"It's a great show because it's a real ensemble piece," said artistic director Melissa Bachert.
The original musical, Seussical, was introduced in 1999 and is based on the works of children's author Theodore Geisel, known to the world as Dr. Seuss - specifically his books Horton Hears a Who, Horton Hatches an Egg and McElligott's Pool. The fun musical introduces a large cast of characters and their varying problems with The Cat in the Hat pulling all the stories together with the help of a Young Thinker.
The main story involves Horton the Elephant's efforts to save his friend Jojo and the other inhabitants on Who, even though everyone else in the Jungle of Nool thinks Horton is the "Biggest Blame Fool" for believing in people who live on a small speck of dust. But Horton is a determined, loyal and faithful friend who fights for what he knows to be true.
Gertrude McFuzz also makes an appearance as Horton's love interest.
The title role of Horton goes to Roshan Dickson. Jojo is played by nine-year-old Asia Mader, who's been to the camp twice. Jamie Sweeney - best known as Annie from the 2005 Broadway or Bust program - plays The Cat in the Hat in her third summer with the program. And Eleanor Reed plays Gertrude McFuzz.
"They're having a great time," said Bachert. "They're all here because they all really enjoy singing, acting, dancing. It's what they get to do all day long."
The revue allows all students not cast in title roles an opportunity to use their talent as well, said Bachert. The junior group, as the actors are called, will perform a scene they created as well as selections from Broadway musicals and dramatic scenes from film and theatre.
"They've got two full productions to put together," said Bachert, "so we're keeping them really busy."
Seussical Jr. hits the stage of the Eagle Eye Theatre Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for students.
