Musical madness

WEST JORDAN — West Jordan High School's spring play enticed those young and old when students brought to life the colorful and wild world of Dr. Seuss in the new Broadway production, "Seussical the Musical." It was an up-close and personal look into Dr. Seuss' topsy-turvy stories, compiled into one adventure about Horton the Elephant and his perseverance in saving a dust speck that happens to be a planet called Who.

Audiences were a part of the Dr. Seuss experience as they sat just a few feet from the actors onstage.

Kelly DeHaan, choir teacher and director of the play, said that is how they've been showing their performances for years.

"People tend to like the intimate space, and you're able to have more showings," DeHaan said.

The high school ran the production 10 times taking place on Feb. 18 and the 21-25 with every seat sold out at each showing.

In the nine years DeHaan has worked for West Jordan High School, he said this play was by far the most successful the school has put on.

"Out of all the plays I've done, 'Seussical the Musical' ranks absolutely number one, hands down," DeHaan said. "The music is amazing, and it's just fun."

There were 24 actors and three technical assistants. Students from grades 10-12 participated.

"We were able to use every student as a featured character," DeHaan said.

He said the students loved the play, and it showed when they performed.

"This is the hardest working group of kids I've worked with," DeHaan said.

Danny Griffiths, senior, played Mayzie LaBird.

She said it was fun to get together and learn fun dances and songs.

"I could do this all the time — it's fun to be a little kid again," she said.

Candace Crown, a senior who played Jo-Jo, agreed with Griffiths.

"This play took me back to my childhood," she said. "In other plays I've had to be serious and pretend to have problems, but in this play I could be a little kid again. The best part was being a little boy — it's just fun."

Foster Johnson, senior, who played Horton the Elephant, said what he liked about the play was that the cast was unified.

"The play is so universal that people of all ages can come and enjoy it," he said.

According to Web site prigsbee.com/musicals/shows/seussical.htm, "Seussical the Musical" premiered on Broadway in 2000.

DeHaan said the show is full of warmth and family.

"I have no idea what I'd do to top this show," he said. "I've painted myself in a corner."

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