DR Seuss Musical Teaches Dio Students Life Lessons

For Immediate Release

DR Seuss Musical Teaches Dio Students Valuable Life Lessons

When Diocesan’s students signed up for the school’s latest Seussical Jr musical, they were all geared up for brain teasers, tongue twisters and oodles of on-stage fun.

But the Year 7 and 8 students had little idea of how hard they would have to work rehearsing for the popular children’s musical which is based on the characters of Dr Seuss.

Internationally renowned singer Carmel Carroll, who is directing the show, says being in the cast of Seussical Jr has been a valuable life lesson for the young students who have learnt to become fully committed during nearly three months of rehearsals.

“People tend to see theatre as fun and games. But it is actually the beginning of learning how to work and live with others as part of a community,” says Carmel, who admits she has been a hard task master with the students.

“Some of them have had to miss holidays and parties. They have all had to make a big commitment and realise they can’t do everything they want to. But they have risen to the challenge and that commitment is paying off.”

Seussical Jr, which will be performed at the independent all-girls Epsom school from 19 to 22 October, brings to life favourite Dr Seuss characters with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty.

Carmel says the musical is an excellent choice because the plot “celebrates thinking”.

The story centres on Horton the Elephant, who finds himself faced with a double challenge – he must protect his tiny friend Jojo and all the invisible Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and also guard an abandoned egg left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.

Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him and is the only one who recognises his kind and powerful heart.

“The moral of the story is that you have to think about things. If you do that, you can transform the world with your creative thoughts,” says Carmel.

Diocesan’s Director of arts, David Gordon, says 75-minute show is an ideal length for the Year 7 and 8 age group to perform.

“It’s also non-stop entertainment, upbeat and vibrant with lots of energy to keep the girls engaged.”

He says Carmel Carroll, who also teaches singing at Diocesan, brings a wealth of experience in producing and directing productions including for Opera New Zealand and the Newmarket-based Opera Factory.

Shona McIntyre-Bull is musical director of the show and the choreographer is Sheryl Orchard.

A 1.30pm matinee session on Monday October 19 will be followed by 7.30pm performances from Tuesday October 20 to Thursday October 22. Adult tickets cost $20, student tickets $15 and children under five are free.

ENDS

© Scoop Media