The lines are memorized; the songs sound great; the costumes are sewn and the scenery is up and being painted. That means that the production of “Seussical, Jr”. will be ready for opening night on July 12.
The show, presented by Mesquite Kids on Stage and sponsored by the Mesquite Arts Council, is scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 12-13-14, at 6:30 p.m. with a matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Horton the Elephant, played by Jake Benell, will save the Whos and hatch Mayzie’s egg each performance despite the antagonism of the Wickersham Monkey Brothers, the Sour Kangaroo and most characters in the Jungle of Nool.
The Cat in the Hat, who is in charge of most of the mischief, will be played by Hailey Bunker and Mady Durbin. The Cat seems to always get JoJo in trouble by encouraging him to think new “thinks.” JoJo’s role will alternate betweenJaysonBrooksand Matthew Covey.
Gertrude, the Bird with the One-Feather Tail, played by Taylor Marshall and Alayna Guyser, tries to get Horton to notice her. Mayzie, the show-offish bird, played by Kira Dalton and Emerald Hall, tries to help Gertrude; but only makes things worse.
The character with the most “attitude” is the Sour Kangaroo, played by Brittany Brooks and Jaylee Whipple.
Then there are the bird girls who feel obligated to comment on everything. These flamboyant and colorful birds are played by Nikki Boatright, Areli Ponce, Autumn Boatright, Emily Conklin and Talia Hansen.
The Wickersham Brothers like to monkey around and keep things stirred up. They are Brenden Bunker, Kaige Caswell, Takota Scissions, Jaren Hafen, Matthew Julien and either Jayson Brooks or Matthew Covey.
Many of the leading roles have been double cast. The “White” Cast will perform on Thursday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The “Red” cast will perform Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. If you have a preference as to who you wish to see, a list of each cast will be placed at the box office. Better still, you may have to attend twice so you won’t miss any of the talent.
All the seats are reserved and tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for youth. The MCT Box Office will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.