A Behind-the-Scenes Look at ‘Seussical’

Splashes of brightly-colored paint and fluorescent, feathery costumes are filtering onto the stage at , as students prepare for this year’s musical: “Seussical.”

“Seussical” opens March 29, and the musical scenes and dance numbers the cast has been practicing promise a fun, high-energy show.

“This show is a lot different,” said sophomore Molly Young. “It’s very artistic and imaginative. We get to let loose a lot more.”

Young plays Mayzie La Bird, an overdramatic and somewhat narcissistic character, with a personality as big as the show and a costume to match.

Her character isn’t the only one that will stand out—in fact, with a cast that includes peppy Whos, a Grinch and the Cat in the Hat, nothing seems to be too weird.

“You can be crazy and you don’t have to look weird,” said senior and cast member Paige Passatore.

Passatore said her favorite musical is . But the dramatic costumes and makeup make “Seussical” fun, and it’s challenging to keep up such a high level of energy throughout the show.

Director Shane Hallam was looking for that challenge when he decided to take on “Seussical.”

Hallam said the students have played the roles of high school students in the musicals of the past two years, and with “Seussical” he wanted to challenge them to play over-the-top characters.

“They’re really rising to the challenge,” Hallam said. “I chose this show to see their creativity really come alive. We’ve got all three aspects of theater here, with acting, music and dance, and it’s always exciting to see all three come together.”

If you’re going:

• “Seussical,” a family-friendly musical written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, and based on the best-known books of Dr. Seuss. Keystone Oaks drama students will perform the show on March 29, 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. Keystone Oaks High School.
• The cost is $7 for general admission and $5 for children age 12 and younger All tickets can be bought at the door. Admission is free for district senior citizens who present their Golden Eagle Courtesy Card.

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