‘Seussical the Musical’ debuts at Red Oak Schools

“Seussical the Musical” is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza for all ages which lovingly brings to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters.
The show opens at 7 p.m. Feb 29 through March 2 at the Red Oak Junior/Senior High School auditorium. A matinee performance will take place at 2 p.m. March 3.
Characters in the show include Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and a little JoJo with a big imagination, the Sour Kangaroo, and Thing One and Thing Two.
The colorful characters transport the audience from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos in a musical adventure which tests the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community.
The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including JoJo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.”
Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.
Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.
Musical director Tim Marsden, who is co-directing the show with his wife, Terra, said “Seussical the Musical” debuted on Broadway in 2000.
“It is one of the most performed musicals in America. The show here features 57 ROHS student performers. The students have been rehearsing since the first week of January, though the snow storms slowed us down,” Tim said. “The set was built by ROHS Industrial Tech teacher, Bob Peterson and his students. This is the first time that “Seussical the Musical” has been produced at Red Oak High School.”
Tim Marsden said the show is timely as March 2 is actually Dr. Seuss’ (Theodor Seuss Geisel’s) birthday.
“March 2 is also Read Across America Day and the beginning of Read Across America Week. What perfect timing for “Seussical the Musical” In the spirit of literacy, we are teaming up with Red Oak’s Altrusa organization to give books to all of the K-2 students. Our cast members will be helping to deliver the books and will be reading to the classes as well,” commented Tim.
Terra Marsden added the Red Oak Music Boosters will be joining in the fun with their annual Silent Auction Fundraiser.
“The auction will take place on Friday through Sunday. New items will be available each night to bid on and purchase with all proceeds going to the music boosters in their efforts to support and raise funds for the music department. Many generous businesses and individuals have donated some great items for the auction. It’s always a great collection of treasures and treats,” stated Terra.
Tickets are $7 for students and $8 for adults. Tickets can be purchased in advance in the Red Oak Junior/Senior High School office beginning Feb. 22, or at the door prior to each performance.
Among the main roles are: The Cat in the Hat- Griffin Eubank; JoJo- Lily Marsden; Horton the Elephant- Connor Knight; Gertrude McFuzz- Lena Torbett;  Mayzie La Bird- Grace Goldapp; Mayor of Whoville- Kevin Rodriguez; Mrs. Mayor- Josie Goldapp; the Sour Kangaroo- Madilynn Parker; and General Gengus Khan Schmitz- Pablo Villanueva.
The Wickersham Brothers- Joshua LeRette, Peter Richards, Ethan Strunk, and Andy Zamarron.
The Bird Girls- Caitlin Britten, Anna Butz, Lauren Dean, Gillian Heim, Ella Johnson, Miranda Johnson, Gracie Redd, Zoie Rohrig, and Kendall Ruhl.
Other members of the cast include: Yertle the Turtle- Gavin Lindsay; The Grinch- Sawyer Bruce; Vlad Vladikoff- Gavin Lindsay; Thing 1- Kayden Wingfield; Thing 2- Grace Wingfield; Who Child #1- Lana Johnson; Who Child #2- Gracie Strunk; Cindy Lou Who- Paige Pruett; Who Child #3- Cate Horn; Who Child #4- Seth Richards;  and Max the Dog- Tony Filpi.
Cadets are: Macartnie Boeye, Sawyer Bruce, Elliott Cartwright, Tony Filpi, Cate Horn, Ilana Johnson, Paige Pruett, Seth Richards, Rowyn Rigby, Gracie Strunk, Leya Walker, Liah Wemhoff, Bryce Williams, Logan Williams, and Caydence Zeigler.
The dance ensemble includes: Caitlin Britten, Lauren Dean, Gillian Heim, Cate Horn, Ella Johnson, and Gracie Strunk.
Jungle Citizens are: Jacob Brower, Auden Coover, Kaz Jackson, Elaina Kuipers, Jaela Leushen, Mykinzie Magill, Rowyn Rigby, Brayden Sego, Gabi Smith, Leya Walker, Liah Wemhoff, and Logan Williams.
Lastly, The Whos include: Macartnie Boeye, Elliott Cartwright, Chloe Conn, Jaiden Lowrance, Dystiney Pruett, Guadalupe Ramos, Madison Roach, Breanna Shaw, Cadence Turbull, Bryce Williams, and Caydence Zeigler.