SL kids theater group puts Dr. Seuss to music: One-act show performed today and Thursday at 7 p.m.

Wed, Jul 16, 2008    to del.icio.us

SPRING LAKE — Spring Lake's Summer Theatre Expo returns to the stage tonight and Thursday for a performance of "Seussical Jr.," a musical adaptation of the stories of Dr. Seuss.

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The program, which is run in collaboration with the Spring Lake Recreation Department, offers children ages 10-15 a chance to learn about theater and perform a show. It is entirely student-directed and student-produced.

Sixty youth are involved in the production this year, including both cast and crew members. They have been rehearsing for the past six weeks — learning lines, songs and original choreography.

First-year directors Meghan McDonald and Nick Rice — both Spring Lake High School students — say they're pleased with how smoothly things have gone this year. They also praised the group's commitment to the show, which brings to life some of Dr. Seuss' famous characters like the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant and the Whos of Whoville.

"Musically, it's an incredibly challenging show," said McDonald, who will spend her senior year of high school studying theater at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. "Most of the show is singing to tell the story, and they handled it very well. We have a really good team — it's like a big family."

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McDonald said the musical sends a positive message and is a fun performance for families to enjoy together.

"It really embodies Dr. Seuss' messages of respect, being kind to each other — and reminding us that a person is a person, no matter how small," she said.

"Seussical Jr." will be performed at 7 tonight and Thursday night in the Spring Lake Middle School auditorium. Admission for the one-act show is free.

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