The Independence High School Drama and Music Departments have announced the cast and crew for next weekend’s production of “Seussical,” a stage musical based on the beloved children’s books of Dr. Seuss.

 

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 5 and 6.  Tickets are $6.00 for adults and $5.00 for students and children.

 

IHS drama instructor Lea Shepard directs the production while Larry Annable, IHS vocal music teacher, serves as musical director.

 

Based on the much-loved characters and stories of Dr. Seuss, the lively and family-oriented musical incorporates elements from at least 15 Seuss books and includes appearances by many of his most famous characters.

 

Cast members for the upcoming IHS production of “Seussical” include:

 

Daniel McDill as “Horton” the elephant
Aaron Hayse as the “Cat in the Hat” 
Skye Conley as “Jojo” 
Grace Kyle as “Gertrude McFuzz”
Aubrey Near as “Mayzie LaBird” 
Dylan Smith as “Mr. Mayor:” 
Tucker Kyle as “Mrs. Mayor” 
John Lloyd Stafford as “The Grinch”
Sarah Doring as “Sour Kangaroo-Young Kangaroo”
Alec Ramos as “General Genghis Khan Schmitz”
Andy Tucker as “Yertle the Turtle”
Johny Ainesworth as “Vlad Vladikov”

 

“Bird Girls” in “Seussical” include:  Lizzy Brennan, Emily Derrick, Monique Shaw, Stephanie Miller, Courtney Medsker and Whitley Groth.

 

“Cadets” include:  Michael Castillo, Wes Goodrich, Adam Cudney, Anthony Davis, Michael Trombold and Lane Near.

 

Those portraying “Wickersham Brothers” include:  Chase Cushing, Jon Hogge and Joel Simwinga.

 

Members of the chorus include: Gretchen Beaver, Zoe Bryant, Madison Freeman, Stephani Groff, Jenny High, Jessica Jaimes, Kelsie Jones, Katie Knoles, Michelle Knopick, Vanessa Lowdon, Sara Lyon, Sammi Sprague, and Audrey Tucker.

 

The choreographer for the production is Lisa Mitchell Paige.

 

In addition to showcasing the acting and musical talents of more than 40 IHS students, the production will feature a seven-member orchestra comprised of IHS junior percussionist Seth Boyer and the following members of the Independence music community:  Dana Aitken on piano, Erin Shelton on electric piano, Faye Millen on violin, Don Farthing on saxophone, Annette Craig on both flute and clarinet, and Bruce Brooks on drums.

 

Thaddeus Tuck serves as stage manager for “Seussical” while several other IHS drama students and community volunteers assist backstage and on the technical crew.

 

Community member Kevin Shepard directed the set building, assisted by students Aiden Goodrich and Tuck. 

 

Other students with leadership positions include Dennis Scoggins who handles the soundboard, Katie Rice who runs the spot, and Emily Jabben who has charge of makeup.  Students Katie Loveless and Goodrich provide backstage coordination, assisted by Drama II, III, and IV students.  Recent IHS graduate James Hart runs the lights.

IHS business and computer teacher Laura McClure coordinated graphic arts for posters and programs.

 

Following a successful Broadway run that began in 2000, the production spawned two national tours in the United States and a tour in The United Kingdom.  It has also become a favorite for school, community and regional theatres.

 

“Seussical” follows the adventures of Horton, an elephant who one day hears voices coming from a speck of dust.  He soon discovers that within this tiny speck exists the smallest planet in the universe!  And upon this tiny planet live a tiny race of creatures known as Whos!

 

Although ridiculed by the other animals in the Jungle of Nool for believing in something he cannot see, Horton stubbornly persists in his belief that the Whos exist.

 

Meanwhile, the citizens of Who are having some adventures of their own, including a war over which side of the bread gets buttered.  Jojo, the smallest child in the city of Who, parallels Horton's journey as he is ostracized for the unpopular act of thinking – an activity not encouraged by the parents and teachers of Whoville.

 

In spite of these obstacles, Jojo and Horton attempt to do what they think is right, and together they sing the duet "Alone in the Universe."

Nevertheless, their path is not easy. 

 

Horton is sold to the Circus McGurkus and eventually goes on trial in front of Judge Yertle the Turtle before the other animals of the jungle come to understand (as Horton has always known) that "a person's a person, no matter how small."

 

During the course of the play, the Cat in the Hat pops in and out of scenes, narrating, playing numerous characters, and helping the younger members of the audience keep track of what's going on.

 

“Seussical” will be the final stage musical presented in the current IHS Auditorium.  As part of the February 2009 voter-approved bond issue, the auditorium will undergo a major overhaul and be transformed into a performing arts center during the next 18 to 24 months.

 

The $17 million high school renovation will also include refurbished classroom space, a new library/media center, a state-of-the-art science wing, and a new competition-size gymnasium and physical education facility.