The colorful world of Dr. Seuss will leap from the page to the stage this week as the Hutchinson High School Drama Department presents Seussical the Musical, running Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 16–18, at 7 p.m. in the Hutchinson High School Performing Arts Center.
The whimsical, family-friendly production blends beloved Dr. Seuss stories and characters — from Horton the Elephant and the Cat in the Hat to the Whos of Whoville — into one energetic celebration of imagination, music, and community.
“This is a really fun, family-friendly musical,” said drama teacher and director Tobie Henline. “It combines so many of Dr. Seuss’s stories into one show, and we’ve been having a great time bringing those worlds together on stage.”
Henline said this year’s cast includes a mix of students from all grade levels, with younger performers joining upperclassmen who are taking on multiple leadership roles behind the scenes.
“Morgan Most is our Cat in the Hat and also designed the costumes,” Henline explained. “Keely Carlton plays one of the leads and serves as both choreographer and makeup designer. A lot of our juniors and seniors are doing double duty to help make this show happen.”
The musical is a true school-wide collaboration, with students from the high school band and orchestra performing in the pit, joined by several teachers — and even the school treasurer.
“This really is a full school effort,” Henline said. “It’s wonderful to see so many people come together to support the arts.”
Tickets are available at the high school office, at the door on performance nights, or online at hutchtheatre.ludus.com. Prices are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $7 for students and children, and $5 for Hutchinson High students with an ID.
Henline said rehearsals began with a summer musical camp and have continued since before the school year started. She noted that scheduling the fall production is always a challenge given how many students are also involved in sports and other activities.
“We try to balance it so students can still participate in everything they love,” she said. “But it’s worth it — they’ve worked incredibly hard, and this show is going to be a lot of fun.”
Performances of Seussical the Musical will be held Oct. 16–18 at 7 p.m. at the Hutchinson High School Performing Arts Center.