Based on Dr. Seuss’s children stories, Aragon Drama’s Seussical the musical showcased from Nov. 18 to Nov. 22. Directed by drama teacher Shane Smuin, the musical, which debuted on Broadway in 2000, is an amalgamation of Seuss’s well-known books. The story of “Horton Hears a Who!” serves as the basis of the show and intertwines 15 of his other stories, including The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hatches the Egg, and Yertle the Turtle and Miss Gertrude McFuzz.
Smuin explains how this musical was a success in many areas. He says, “It was a success in terms of actors fitting and filling their roles so well, technical complexity, ticket sales, and perhaps the broadest range of people in attendance.”
In comparison to past productions such as Chicago, Seussical is more upbeat and family-friendly. Smuin says, “In the past, we have done a lot a lot of ‘PG-13’ theater. I have been getting the request do something like Seussical for a long time now.”
Junior Zachary Mamis, who played Wickersham Brother #3 says, “I enjoy singing and I really like the high energy of this musical. It’s always been my favorite musical since I was seven and it’s exciting to see it come to life. I mean, it’s Dr. Seuss!”
Marly Miller, a senior who was cast as Jojo, says, “I like the cast, people, and the story. It’s all really fun, light-hearted and funny.”
Although current students who went to Borel may have remembered Seussical from the middle school’s production in the spring of 2010, Smuin explains how it did not affect his decision on this musical.“We have done shows that they’ve done before. [Instead], with every show that I do I look at the roster of students that I will have for the following year and think about their strengths and weaknesses — acting wise, dancing wise, and singing wise. It’s more based on the number of students that I can cast and what those students are really good at, will fit into well, and will do well in.”
All cast and crew spent countless hours rehearsing and preparing for premiere night. Junior Kiernan Manu, who plays Horton the Elephant, says, “I like this musical since it’s super fun, colorful, childish, and a good time to be silly. [But] the challenging part would definitely be the long rehearsals.”
Junior Brandon Leong, who was dance captain and played Wickersham Brother #1, thought that the choreography was most challenging. He says, “I’m part of dance, so they give me hard dance moves with lots of twirls, spins, and tosses. There’s a lot of music, dancing, singing, and everything going on that we have to memorize.”
Junior Stephanie Shu enjoyed the musical and has also seen the previous productions that the theater has presented. “Over the past few years I like how there has been a large range and variety of genres,” she concludes.
