Dr. Seuss alive again in Wantagh

“Seussical” the musical hits the St. Frances de Chantal stage next weekend as a young and enthusiastic cast is gearing up for the show based on books by the popular children’s author.

The show is actually double cast, meaning one group of actors will perform twice with a second group taking the other two shows. The four shows will be held June 3 and 4 in the school gym.

“I love the story,” said Director Cathy Scahill. “It’s just a great show to be able to do with the whole age group.”

Actors range from kindergarten through eighth grade. The lead role of Horton is being played by John Munro in the Friday night and Saturday noon shows, and Joey Labo in the Saturday afternoon and night performances.

Munro, a sixth-grader at Jonas Salk Middle School, is starring in his eighth show at St. Frances and said this is his biggest role to date. He said he likes that he gets to sing a lot, and also enjoys the dance routines.

Labo, who is in sixth grade at Wantagh Middle School, is also a veteran of the St. Frances stage and most recently played Aladdin. He is ready for his latest acting endeavor. “I’m looking forward to all the energy,” he said, adding that because the show takes place in a jungle, the set will be really colorful.

Wantagh Middle School seventh-graders Chris Murale and Katriana Koppe are sharing the role of the Cat in the Hat. Murale, who has also been in plays at school, said this is his third show with St. Frances and his biggest role so far. “You have to study a lot for it,” he said. “It takes a lot of practice and skill.”

Murale added that he likes how “Seussical” is a bunch of Dr. Seuss stories compiled into one show.

“The way that the show comes out, it just ends up being amazing,” Koppe added.

The two said they play the part a little differently. Koppe said her portrayal of the Cat in the Hat has been described as “myseterious,” while Murale’s take on it has been more upbeat.

Rounding out the lead roles are sixth-grader Julianna Rose and eighth-grader Kaylee Pizzileo, who are sharing the part of Gertrude, and fifth-grader Nichole Tobia and sixth-grader Jessica Schmidt, who play Jo-Jo.

The play centers on the small young child Jo-Jo and the elephant Horton, who live in separate worlds but establish a connection through their imaginations.