Several elementary school students will be included in Cardinal O’Hara High School’s production of "Seussical the Musical.” From left are Jaydon James, Haley Adams, Jade King, and Clare and Maggie Cryan. Photos by Jim Smerecak. Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com AA cat in a hat, and an elephant and two “things,” gives a reason to clap and a reason to sing.

Cardinal O’Hara High

School is bringing “Seussical the Musical” to its stage — let the chaos begin!

Making up a cast and crew of more than 60 people, the participants in this year’s production have been diligently working to create a wacky, wild atmosphere in a world only Dr. Seuss himself could imagine.

“This year it’s more student-involved,” said student director Tamara Gonzalez. “I have definitely learned a lot more about time management.”

Gonzalez, a senior, also plays a “Thing,” a character she described as highly energetic, much like herself.

Amanda DeMarco, left, and Paige Curry rehearse their lines as the Cat in the Hat and JoJo, respectively, for this year’s Cardinal O’Hara High School production, "Seussical the Musical.” “I love to have fun,” she said.

And with “Seussical the Musical,” having fun doesn’t seem to be an issue, especially with a storyline focused on a conglomeration of several popular Seuss characters.

The story is narrated by the popular Seuss feline, the Cat in the Hat, who tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing a population of Whos. The theme is centered around valuing friendship and imagination, and throughout the production, characters such as the Grinch, Yertle the Turtle, Cindy Lou Who, the Sour Kangaroo, the Wickersham Brothers, Gertrude McFuzz and Mayzie La Bird make appearances.

Senior Ian Kroening plays Horton and said that while he has been a member of Show Choir for the past few years, this is his first time being part of a musical production. He added that he was happy with being cast as the kindhearted pachyderm, a character he could relate to.

“He’s humble, clumsy and very passionate,” Kroening said. “I consider myself to be very humble. Horton’s talent is protecting and caring for others, and I can relate to that as well.”

As the plot thickens, Horton becomes the subject of ridicule throughout the jungle after placing the speck of dust on a clover for safekeeping, showing that he values all walks of life.

The Cat in the Hat, played by senior Mandee De- Marco, keeps the story moving along, presenting the audience with several opportunities to appreciate a whimsical world of creative scenarios and dialogue.

“He’s very mischievous,” DeMarco said, admitting that she likes to pull a prank on her friends here and there. “Every little thing he does has this huge purpose behind it. It’s a really fun part to play.”

DeMarco said songs such as “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think” and “Alone in the Universe” are entertaining, but her favorite scene is the “Circus McGurkus,” in which the stage becomes very lively.

“We have the dancers tumbling, We have rings, we have everything,” De- Marco said. “It takes the audience away from the story a little bit, because it’s so exotic looking and it has a very energetic feel to it.”

One thing all three of the lead characters in the production agreed on was their love for the popular children’s author.

“Everyone loves Dr. Seuss,” Gonzalez said. “It brings you back to your childhood, when your mom or dad would sit you down with a storybook.”

Cardinal O’Hara’s musical rendition of “Seussical the Musical” will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday, March 9; 2 p.m. Saturday, March 10; and 7 p.m. Sunday, March 11, inside the high school auditorium, 39 O’Hara Road, Tonawanda. Tickets cost $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, call the advancement office at 695-2600, ext. 312.

email: jolenez@beenews.com