And that is just what students at Ellsworth Junior-Senior High School plan to do this year as they prepare for the fall play. Director Traci Sallman has been doing this for nine years. When she set out to pick this year’s play, “Seussical,” Sallman thought about the talents offered by her students and the best fit for their abilities. The “Seussical” is a musical combination of at least 15 of Dr. Seuss’ books, including “Cat in the Hat” and “Horton Hears a Who”. “There is always worry, but everything usually works out,” Sallman said.“Not everyone has been to practice at once because most of the students are also in sports, band, and choir.” But with 24 total practice days before the show, she is hopeful everything will come together. Sallman has a love for theater and enjoys working with the students and parent volunteers. Thing 1, played by Brenna Pruitt said,“One thing I like about the musical is seeing it all come together from beginning to end.” Everyone — parents included — have helped with props, most of which are borrowed or handmade. And, following Dr. Seuss’ belief in helping a friend, in not giving up, and in keeping a promise, the students have also helped each other with lines and costumes. They promise a spectacular show. “I love seeing all the talent people share to be combined together for a creative show,” said Hayley Sanchez, who plays Thing 2. Tickets are $5 each. Show times are at 7 p.m. Nov. 9 and 2 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Performing Arts Center.

Seussical Cast

Jordyn Coonrod — Gertrude McFuzz Cameron Hysong — Mayor of Who Brenna Pruitt — Thing 1 Halyley Sanchez —Thing 2 Lakyn Tenbrink — Lil Roo Kelsey Ashbaugh — Sour Kangaroo Vincent Bernie — Horton Hannah Brown — Mrs. Mayor of Who Gage Conley — Wickersham & Cadet Jasmine Conley — Grinch Brooke Farmer — Bird Girl Elizabeth Hipp — Circus twirler Cece Holbrook — Who, Hunch, Jungle Parker McGowan — Cat in the Hat Jayce Reed — Wickersham & Cadet Gabrielle Rickey — Cindy Lou Who Rachel Sabesta — Who & Yertle the Turtle Jordi Thornton — Mayzie LaBird Adam Vehring — General Schmitz & Wickersham Cadence Hansen — JoJo Haley Pfeifer —Bird Girl Elysia Trillo — Bird Girl Katherine Bruning, Cassie Duncan, Nya Rippert — Who, Hutch, Jungle Levi Harrison — Vlad Vladikoff

“Children want the same things we want. To laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained, and delighted.”
— Dr. Seuss