Dr. Seuss stories to come to life on the GHS stage

Banner Graphic/ERIC BERNSEE

Horton (Elijah Brattain, center on nest) protects Mayzie's egg under the careful scrutiny of (from left) Gen. Schmitz (Lucas Eckrich), JoJo (Alex Briones), Gertrude (Hannah Brattain), Cat (Ethan Gill, on nest platform), Mayzie (Jodi Buis), Mr. and Mrs. Mayor (Taylor Secrest and Libby Brush) and the Sour Kangaroo (Mary Pearl Ivy) in a scene from the Greencastle High School fall musical, "Seussical."

Dr. Seuss's beloved stories will come to life Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Greencastle High School in its fall musical "Seussical."

The musical, written by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, includes elements and characters from at least 15 of Dr. Seuss's books blended together into one full-length musical.

The narrator and main character of the show is the Cat in the Hat (played be senior Ethan Gill).

As the Cat usually does, he causes trouble but always fixes things in the end. He befriends young JoJo (played by junior Alex Briones) and helps him discover the power of his imagination, much to the dismay of JoJo's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mayor (played by junior Taylor Secrest and sophomore Libby Brush).

Meanwhile, Horton the Elephant (played by junior Elijah Brattain) has discovered a small speck of dust with people on it (the Whos) that need to be saved. Unknowingly, he has the support of Gertrude McFuzz (played by sophomore Hannah Brattain) who also happens to be in love with Horton.

But Horton is ridiculed for his belief in the Whos by the Sour Kangaroo (senior Mary Pearl Ivy), Young Kangaroo (sophomore Reilly Anderson), and the Wickershams (led by junior Logan Beck). They turn all of the jungle creatures against poor Horton.

Other students playing lead roles in the show are senior Jodi Buis as Mayzie La Bird and senior Lucas Eckrich as Gen. Gengus Khan Schmitz. Judge Yertle the Turtle is played by senior Seth Turner.

Forty-six other students play various supporting roles, and 21 students work backstage or in the lighting and sound booths. The play is being directed by GHS theater teacher Bethany Bax with GHS choir teacher Debby Lambert directing the music. Choreographer is Lori Briones.

Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. All seats are $6. Tickets are available in the GHS bookstore during regular school hours or at the door on show nights.