In Seussical the Musical, the Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphantly.

You can catch the Seussical on May 1st at 8:00 pm on the football field (May 2nd if it is rained out).

Here’s an exclusive interview with the leads of this spring’s musical, Charlie Howerton and Bryson Edwards.

Question: What roles do you play?

Charlie: My character is Horton the Elephant. He is a lovable elephant who likes to see the good in everyone and discovers a tiny planet full of people who he swears to protect.

Bryson: I am the Cat in the Hat, my job is to keep the audience intertwined and lead them through the fantastical world of Seuss.

Q: What is different about practices this year?

C: Obviously, since covid is happening, we have to wear masks at all times. The masks really make it challenging especially when you are singing or dancing.

B: We have to stay socially distanced and with masks on, which make getting our emotion across a little challenging.

Q: How are covid regulations changing the way the musical will look?

C: Well, because of covid, we are having to perform this year’s musical on the football field.

B: We have to spread out our choreography in order to abide by regulations.

Q: What can we expect this musical to look like; with social distancing, wearing masks, etc.?

C: I believe that it will look like a normal musical just more spaced out. Since we are getting clear masks, it will help us connect with the audience more.

B: We will be out on the football field in order to stay distanced, but I believe that this change of setting will allow us to make a more immersive experience for our audience.

Q: What do you think is the most fun role to play?

C: I think one of the most fun roles to play would be a Wikersham brother. They are monkeys and they get to dance and jump around.

B: I believe that my role, the Cat in the Hat, will be the most fun to play because I get to directly interact with the audience and keep them entertained. I’m like the cheerleader of the musical, my job is to help you have fun, and look good while doing it :).

Q: What is your favorite scene to perform?

C: I would have to say that my favorite scene would have to be Solla Sollew. 

B: The opening number, “Oh The Thinks You Can Think” is my favorite because it is the first large group performance where we introduce the characters and invite the audience to take a trip through the world of Seuss with us.

Q: What is going to stand out this year from all of the other times Seussical has been performed?

C: I think that this year we have an outstanding set of actors and actresses this year that are especially capable of putting on a great show.

B: Definitely that it is on the football field and with masks on, and with these setbacks we are determined to give it 110%.