With a cast of 32 actors ranging in age from 6 to 18, the Bishop Ludden Gaelic Knight Players Summer Community Theater will open a three-day run of Seussical the Musical at The Palace Theatre on Tuesday, August 12.
Director, music director and producer Bernadette Hobin said the musical involves 15 different Dr. Seuss stories, and the audience will recognize many of their favorite characters from classic Seuss tales, including Cindy Lou Who, the Cat in the Hat, and Horton the elephant.
“I try to choose shows that appeal to all ages and make a significant contribution that make a statement,” Hobin said of her selection to perform Seussical this year.
Last year, the Summer Community Theater presented “Once on This Island,” and took home two SALTY awards for the best actor and actress performances.
The cast and crew of Seussical include students from Bishop Ludden, Camillus Middle School, Christian Brothers Academy, Faith Heritage Academy, Liverpool High School, Onondaga Hill Middle School, Soule Road Elementary, Walberta Elementary School, Wellwood Middle School, West Genesee High School and Westhill High School.
“We excited because every year we do our summer program it involves more and more schools,” Hobin said.
Thor Brown, who is homeschooled, plays a Wickersham Brother, one of three mischevious monkeys.
This will be his first play, he said.
“It was more work than I expected,” he said. “I’m kind of excited. I’m definitely nervous.”
The cast began rehearsing in late June and have worked for just the last six weeks to bring the musical together.
For Nick Vozzo, who will be a senior at Bishop Ludden this year, the theater routine is old hat – he has been performing in community theater since he was six.
This is his first elephant costume, though – Vozzo plays Horton, famous for hearing a who.
“We have everything, we have elephants, monkeys, and tiny little whos,” said Vozzo. “I think it’s good for all of us to step outside the norm.”
During rehearsal Monday, the cast polished the finale with the help of Bishop Ludden alumna Hannah Botsford.
Botsford said she played Maizey in the Central New York premier of the musical, put on by Theater 90.
“It was fun to do the show,” Botsford said. “And to pass it on, it was a lot of fun.”
Hobin said audience members would be thoroughly surprised by the quality of the costumes, courtesy of Holly Wilson, who directed Theater 90.
Details
What: Seussical the Musical
Who: Bishop Ludden Gaelic Knight Players Summer Community Theater, students from 12 area schools
Where: The Palace Theatre, 2384 James St. in Syracuse
When: Tuesday, Aug. 12 and Thursday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m., Wednesday Aug. 13 at 2 and 7 p.m.
How Much: General Admission $12
Reserved Patron Seating $14
Group Rates Available
Info: Box Office 447-8358
