Students to stage musical show

When Diocesan’s students signed up for the school’s latest Seussical Jr musical, they were prepared for brainteasers, tongue twisters and oodles of on-stage fun. 

But the Year 7 and 8 students had little idea of how hard they would have to work rehearsing for the popular children’s musical, based on the characters of Dr Seuss.

Internationally renowned singer Carmel Carroll, who is directing the show, said it was a valuable life lesson for the young students.

“People tend to see theatre as fun and games. But it is actually the beginning of learning how to work and live with others as part of a community,” she said.

A hard taskmaster, Ms Carroll has the commitment of the students.

Seussical Jr will be performed at the Diocesan School for Girls based in Epsom, Auckland from October 19 to 22, bringing to life the popular characters of Dr Seuss, with lyrics and music written respectively by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

The story centres on ‘Horton the Elephant,’ who is faced with a double challenge of protecting his tiny friend Jojo and the invisible ‘Whos’ from a world of naysayers and dangers, and also guard an abandoned egg left in his care by irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.

Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him and is the only one who recognises his kind and powerful heart.

“The moral of the story is that you have to think about things. If you do that, you can transform the world with your creative thoughts,” Ms Carroll said.

The School’s Director of Arts David Gordon, said the 75-minute show was an ideal length for the Year 7 and 8 age group to perform.

“It would be non-stop entertainment, upbeat and vibrant with lots of energy to keep the girls engaged. Shona McIntyre-Bull is the musical director of the show with choreography by Sheryl Orchard,” he said.