By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community reporter
Shrewsbury – It’s been 10 years since Shrewsbury High School’s Performing Arts Department has presented “Seussical the Musical” and they couldn’t be more excited to perform it as its spring 2019 musical.
“Seussical” is a musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty and is based on the works of Dr. Seuss. The family friendly production blends tales and characters from several of his books. It centers on Horton, the elephant from “Horton Hears a Who!” Other characters to look for include The Cat in the Hat and the Whos from Whoville.
This year’s production includes 96 participants from the cast and crew to the musicians and is designed so that those on stage will have ample stage presence.
“The set is different than it was last time. This set is what I would call more storybook and looks more like the works of Dr. Seuss and the way he artistically drew,” explained Michael Lapomardo, SHS performing arts director.
“Last time it was a little more vaudevillian, whereas this time it is more about telling a story with focus on simplifying the story,” added Nathan Colby, director.
According to Colby, the main character Jojo, a misunderstood youth, is now being portrayed as a girl. The character was originally written as a boy.
Lapomardo said that it’s one of those shows that have different interpretations and no two productions are exactly alike.
Tickets for the popular musical are selling out quickly, Lapomardo noted. He suggested contacting the box office as soon as possible.
Shows are Thursday-Saturday, March 7-9, at 7 p.m. Adults and students $15 ($10 for Thursday’s show); senior citizens are $10 (free for Thursday’s show).
Tickets can be reserved at 508-841-8300 ext. 1088, or [email protected]. Tickets will be held and can be paid for at will call.
photos/Melanie Petrucci
