Watertown High School gets a Dose of Seuss with "Seussical The Musical"

Got a thing for Thing 1 and Thing 2? Well, if you do, then Seussical's for you!  Anyone familiar with Dr. Seuss knows how easy it is to giggle at the author's imaginative and rhythmic patterns. His humor and wit will be put to music this weekend as Watertown High School students perform 'Seussical' in WHS's Shaw Auditorium.

The production is directed by Mary ElizaBeth Peters, with musical direction by Dan Wulf and choreography by Meghan Riling. It's the 15th Watertown High School production and sixth musical directed by 'Beth,' who views the show as a celebration of individuality, family, community, and loyalty. 

"At a time when young people are dealing with difficult issues in all aspects of their lives, we wanted to take time out to celebrate the creative individuality that lives in all of us through the fun and beauty of Dr. Seuss' stories," she said. "'Seussical' strings together the Seuss characters that families love into a play that is just as poignant, hilarious and silly as his books."

The show debuted on Broadway in 2000 with a full orchestral score. Since then, its colorful sets, costumes, and songs have made 'Seussical' a favorite production for schools and community theaters.

Dan has been involved in 16 musicals during his tenure at the high school, and acknowledges that for the pit, "Seussical" is a deceptively challenging score. 

"The show is virtually entirely music with a handful of brief spoken transitions," he said. "The score also changes musical styles, tempos and keys rapidly, which can be difficult for both instrumentalist and actor alike."

According to Dan, "The students have weathered it well and have come to see and enjoy it for the complex work that it is, despite – or perhaps because of – the whimsical world of Seuss." 

The students have been rehearsing the show since December. 

"Virginia Jay plays the Cat in the Hat, Maeve McCluskey plays the little 'Who' JoJo, and Jake Roach plays Horton the Elephant," said Beth. "But this is really an ensemble show that features many students in large roles. All told, there are about 40 students in the show."

Performances will be held at Watertown High School on Friday night at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10.