Midvale Middle performs Seussical the Musical

MIDVALE — Most people know and love the great children's book author Dr. Seuss.

He wrote many stories like "Green Eggs and Ham," "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish" and "Horton Hears a Who."

In 2000, a play based on several of his books opened on Broadway. It was a hit. People loved the play because (as Dr. Seuss would say) you can think wonderful thinks.

The play is about one boy's journey through 17 of Seuss' magical stories. Jojo finds himself being whisked away to another world by the mysterious Cat in the Hat. There, they find an elephant named Horton, who hears people calling for help from a speck of dust. Jojo finds himself in tiny town called Whoville, as the over-analyzing son of the mayor in a town that is in desperate need of Horton's help.

Midvale Middle School theater teacher Doug Roberts chose this play because he didn’t want people to just see a play, he wanted them to experience it. This includes the actors.

"It’s a play where the imagination can go off the charts," said Roberts. "Theater is life; Movies are entertainment; television is babysitting; live life."

Midvale Middle School's production involves 35 students and many parents, who've helped with the elaborate set. They play was performed Jan. 11-12, and it was free to the public.

The actors said they enjoyed the experience.

"In theater you earn a lot of confidence," said Gracie Otto, a seventh grade student who plays Jojo.

The performance was funny and engaging. The actors brought the story to life and put smiles on the faces of the audience.

Daphne Brass is a seventh grade student at Midvale Middle School.