"Seussical the Musical" Returns to the Lincoln Middle School Stage

Lincoln Middle School revives Seussical the Musical Junior, bringing back an audience favorite with more vivid costumes and technical support than its last run at the school.

In Seussical Junior, Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and everyone’s favorite Dr. Seuss characters come to life on stage. The audience follows The Cat in the Hat’s narration to learn the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton finds that he must protect both the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers as well as an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. It’s a tough job that requires personal sacrifice and patience to get past ridicule, kidnappings, and a even a trial. However, Horton’s adventures show that friendship, loyalty, family, and community can overcome all challenges.

To tell this wonderful story, the Lincoln Middle School students have upped the ante from the past production at their school. Paper trees and florescent lighting have changed into LED color changing lights, sound, and student-built set pieces. The artistry, design, and acting reflect some of the best young talent the Berwyn community has to offer.

“It’s amazing how much can change in 7 years,” states current director Lisa Tiess, who also directed the last run of Seussical Junior. “We started with 20 kids and a blank stage. Now, our cast and crew total over 80 students. The students do an amazing job with our technical and design elements, such as painting the set pieces, focusing our new LED lighting, and running 15 wireless microphones at one time.”

Lincoln Middle School has an after-school drama club program where students can participate in 2 full-length plays, improv, speech team and Thespian society. Students of all ability levels and learning types play a role in the creative process. This past year, over 110 students participated in the program throughout the year. The teachers try to find a place in the theatre for any child interested in the performing arts. Students act, sing and dance on the stage. They learn technical skills backstage as well.

IF YOU GO
WHAT: Lincoln Middle School’s production of Seussical Junior
WHEN: Nov. 19 and 20 at 7 PM
WHERE: Lincoln Middle School, 6432 West 16th St., Berwyn, IL 60402 (please enter via door number 5)
RUNNING TIME: 90 minutes, with a 15 minute intermission
TICKETS: $1.00 at the door
FOR MORE INFORMATION: call (708) 795-2475