The Cat in the Hat is one of the many Dr. Seuss characters set to unleash entertainment in Fox Chapel Area High School’s spring musical production of “Seussical.”
A cast of more than 100 students will present “Seussical” March 3-6 in the high school auditorium.
The family-friendly, whimsical show is based on the words of Dr. Seuss, with many stories amid oversized colorful scenery.
The show is directed by FCASD choir and vocal director and producer Benjamin Murray. The assistant director is Stephanie Reilly, a FCAHS online coordinator, college prep and career essentials teacher.
Anna Szymanski, Lilly Adamo and Carolyn Caracciolo are the student-led stage manager team.
Senior and veteran stage performer Lydia Tuthill plays Thing 1. She said her favorite song number in the musical is “Oh the Thinks You Can Think.”
“It brings all of the characters to life, and it will get the audience super excited to watch the rest of the show,” Tuthill said.
On assignment with the cast of “Seussical” @ Fox Chapel Area High School. @FCASD @FCStudentSec @VNDNews @TribLIVE @FoxChapelHerald pic.twitter.com/Zg4SwGCYrG
— Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) February 8, 2022
Sophomore Chloe Kim teams up with Tuthill onstage as Thing 2. They are the mischievous little “Things” that trail the Cat in the Hat, causing trouble.
Kim said her last time onstage was in 2020. “It’s really thrilling to be back after almost two years. I’ve missed the fun of being with the cast and the hard work to put together something amazing,” Kim said.
The audience will travel to oddball fictitious places such as the Circus McGurkus and the Jungle of Nool, a Seussical fantasy land where the story is set.
Murray, in his ninth year as director, said choosing “Seussical” was a collaborative choice with the entire production team.
“We wanted something that was fun and provided lots of opportunities for students to be involved,” Murray said.
Another reason?
“We have an incredible instrumental program at FCAHS. Finding a show that features both string and wind instruments was important and an absolute must,” Murray said.
With themes of friendship, loyalty, love and community, characters Jo-Jo and Horton the Elephant join narrator The Cat in the Hat on a fanciful journey involving Horton protecting an abandoned egg and discovering a microscopic world of people dubbed the Whos on a speck of dust. Other featured characters include Gertrude McFuzz and Lazy Mayzie.
Students cast in lead roles include seniors Gabby Bell, Simeon Owens, Tuthill, Maddie Dick and Jack Lorence and sophomores Emily Harajda and Kim.
Reilly said the messages running through “Seussical” are positive.
“We learn from Horton the power of standing your ground, no matter how many forces are against you. We see the Whos not giving up, even when their world is literally being tossed about and no one seems to care,” Reilly said.
The FCAHS music department and Mr. Gass’ tech ed class have partnered to build set pieces for the show.
Kim said the directors have given her and Tuthill free range with their roles as Thing 1 and 2.
“I love that I can do basically anything I want. Mr. Murray finds it really fitting when we improvise on the spot,” Kim said.
All guests are required to follow covid-19 guidelines, and masks are required.
Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Feb. 24.
