Children’s favourites The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant and a host of other colourful characters come to life this week in a fun musical production to be staged by St John’s Coeducational Junior School.
Suessical Jnr is this year’s biennial whole-of-school musical extravaganza, involving all students from Transition to Year 6. The musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2000, is based on the books and characters created by Dr Seuss and is narrated by Cat in the Hat.
“It’s about Horton the Elephant saving the tiny planet of Who and, during the production, numerous Dr Seuss characters show up and become part of the play,” says Priscilla Clonan, who plays Jo-Jo.
Adds Mikaela Ball, in the role of Cat in the Hat, “It’s a story of imagination and is a great opportunity for everyone to show their talents.”
Local artist and NEGS parent Myfanwy Gullifer has worked with some of the children to design and make various props, while the set was designed by former Sydney Theatre Company scenic artist Stephen Tall, whose wife Rowena is directing the show.
“It’s full of fabulous songs, eccentric characters and the imaginative language of Dr Seuss. Music is an important part of the curriculum at St John’s and leading students into this amazing world of sound and self-expression is incredibly fulfilling,” Mrs Tall said.
Suessical Jnr will be staged in the NEGS Assembly Hall on October 20 and 21; tickets are available from the NEGS main office. For more information, call the school on 6774 8700.
