By Greg Hunt

Weeks of preparation by the Braham Theatre Department are ready to unveil their fruits when “Seussical the Musical” opens Nov. 6 for a two-weekend run. The story-telling song and dance will be performed at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 and 7, along with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Nov. 8.

Performances will then be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 and 14, and a final 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Nov. 15.

“I think the cast is having a blast with this show! It’s so ‘busy’ all the time– there’s never a dull moment in the whole show. But I definitely think it is still a challenging show,” commented Braham Theatre alumna Lydia Orvis, who is working with the cast on choreography and assisting Director Bryan Johnson. “Having experienced it myself I know that it can be uncomfortable to try and be as crazy as these characters are. It’s difficult to consciously put yourself out there and be vulnerable. It’s a matter of finding the fun, crazy side of yourself that your friends and family see, and learning to do that on purpose in front of complete strangers. But I definitely think the cast is becoming more comfortable with their roles, and everyone is growing as characters and as themselves.”

Several popular Dr. Seuss tales are weaved in this musical, aiming to delight multiple generations in the audience.

“Everything is going to grab the audience: music, characters, costumes, set, choreography– everything. This show is so well put together and has so much life. It’s perfect for people of all ages. My niece saw it when she was about 5 and loved it,” said Orvis. “There is so much going on, and the show moves so quickly. Plus, these are stories almost everyone is familiar with. Horton, Mayzie LaBird, The Whos, Sour Kangaroo, Cat in the Hat– these are household characters and familiar stories, but with a unique twist.”

As to be expected, there are lessons found in the layers of Dr. Seuss’ characters and action.

“One of the main themes of the show can be summed up in the line, ‘A person’s a person no matter how small.’ Horton uses this line in reference to the Whos in his justification for saving them. If the world could understand that simple concept. There would be improvements in all levels of society, from government mandates to high school social groups and everything in between,” said Orvis. ”Horton is the first character to make this realization and to make it clear, but throughout we also see Gertrude McFuzz, who represents a part in all of us. She has this desire to help out the Whos, to believe Horton, to do what’s right, but she is still so concerned about what others will think of her. The view of society won’t leave her, and she is torn as to what to follow: her heart or everyone else.

“It’s a visible struggle, and one that we can all learn from. And there are so many more lessons– learning to be yourself, follow your heart, think of others, respect differences, encourage one another- I could go on and on.”

Tickets are on sale by calling 320-396-4444 or may be purchased at the door the night of performances. Children attending the shows are encouraged to dress as a favorite Dr. Seuss character for a chance to win a Seuss Prize Bag!

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