Schools
Mehlville High School's 'Seussical Jr.' to Take the Stage Thursday
Dr. Seuss will be coming to life on the stage when the Mehlville High School Theatre Arts Department presents "Seussical Junior," a musical based on the works of the revered children's author.
Dr. Seuss will be coming to life on the stage this weekend when the Mehlville High School Theatre Arts Department presents Seussical Junior, a musical based on the works of the revered children’s author.
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 24-26. On Feb. 26 there also will be a matinee show at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance, $6 at the door and $7 for reserved seating. Call (314) 467-6132 for more information or to purchase tickets.
The play is also aiming to put books by Seuss and other authors into the hands of low-income children in St. Louis through a partnership with nonprofit organization Ready Readers St. Louis. Volunteers with the group read with children on a weekly basis and also collect and distribute donated books to kids throughout the year.
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Mehlville Theater Director Paula Heller said those attending the play are encouraged to bring a new or used book to the performance. Ready Readers asks that donated items be geared toward children less than 5 years old.
Heller also explained that some of the play’s cast has been personally getting into the spirit of promoting reading.
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“They went to some of the elementary schools and read some of his work. They had a great time,” Heller said.
About 40 students from Mehlville High School comprise the cast and crew of “Suessical Junior,” Heller said. Heller, who has been with the district for 20 years, will be assisted by music director and Mehlville alumni Kate Barton.
Heller said she was inspired to stage the musical after seeing a performance of the play at a state thespian conference. Moreover, she noted this year marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham, lending the performance some added significance.
“It’s Dr. Seuss, what’s more fun than that?” Heller said.
Beyond the enjoyment of seeing Seuss’ classic children's stories brought to life, Heller added there is a deeper message that permeates all of his work--one that is important for children and adults.
“They are about how much you can do if you really try,” Heller said. “It is good to remember that anything is possible. Sometimes we lose that belief as we get older.”