Preparing for Dr. Seuss

MILLBROOK — A middle school cast of more than 50 actors will transform the auditorium at Millbrook High School (MHS) into a whimsical jungle of faithful elephants, sour kangaroos, self-centered birds and Whos in jeopardy. Millbrook Middle School will present “Seussical Jr.,” based on the stories of Dr. Seuss and featuring award-winning music by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, at the MHS auditorium at on Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and seats are general admission.Millbrook Middle School music teacher and “Seussical Jr.” director Alexis Clements said the middle school production was moved to Millbrook High School due to facilities complications and construction at the middle school auditorium. She said the most challenging part of shifting the production to the high school was the mental change in reworking blocking and the logistics of moving set pieces, scenery, costumes and props.“I think the experience has given our cast and crew some idea of the flexibility that is required of professional touring companies — being able to refocus, adjust your body language and the volume of your voice, reset your blocking and just make it work in whatever venue you’re rehearsing or performing in,” Clements said.Clements said “Seussical Jr.” sends a message about believing in yourself, even when others bully you. She cited the struggles Horton endures being bullied by the jungle citizens and Jojo the Who’s tense relationship with his parents. “I think it’s a show that everyone can relate to, and the Dr. Seuss stories really showcase our students’ imaginations and individuality as well,” Clements said.Eighth-grader Delilah Napier said she has really enjoyed being self-centered Mayzie LaBird in the “Seussical Jr.” cast. “It’s fun because Mayzie’s almost the opposite of my character in reality,” said Delilah. “She’s conceited, vain and fancy-free. I think the funniest parts to play are the ones that are not like you.”Clements said audiences can expect to be surprised by “Seussical Jr.” “Our cast this year is amazingly talented, the music is infectious, and our sets are spectacular. We’re definitely ready to show off our hard work,” she said.Seventh-grader Sam Bonelli, the “Seussical Jr.” crew chief, said he takes great pride in the set pieces this year, especially the Who House and the exotic palm trees. Sixth-grader Colin Barger, who is also on the crew, agreed and said the best part about the job was painting the fantastic trees that make up the Jungle of Nool.Eighth-grader Corey Orlik, who plays Horton, the elephant who withstands bullying and is true to himself, said audiences will be delighted with what the middle schoolers have achieved with “Seussical Jr.” “There are a lot of creative backgrounds in the set and some really great singing in the cast,” he said.Seventh-grader Peter Kiewra plays Jojo, who assists the Cat in the Hat, in unwinding the crazy plot events of “Seussical Jr.” “It’s been a little bit pressuring having to finish everything in the final week, but it’s really fun and it’s going to be a great show,” he said.Clements said the biggest reward about directing the middle school production is seeing the way students translate what they learn on stage into their real lives. “I see the students’ experiences with the drama club positively influence their public speaking and their academics, as well as their personal and social lives, at a time when being in the club could really be considered uncool,” she said. “The end result, and the pride they have in their work, makes it all worth it — they’ve made memories for a lifetime.”Sixth-grader Erica Gartelmann said she is excited to be playing Yertle the Turtle in her first middle school production. “This is harder work than when we did the musical at our elementary school, but it’s nice to have a featured part because a lot of sixth-graders are in the ensemble this year.”Sixth-grader Miranda Schnoor, who plays one of Mayzie LaBird’s sassy bird girl sidekicks, said the hard work of the cast is paying off. “I think people should come see ‘Seussical Jr.’ because every member of the cast is working hard to give their best performance,” she said. Submitted by Diane Jackson Schnoor.