LHS drama to debut new Performing Arts Center with ‘Seussical the Musical’ this weekend

The Lennox High School Drama Department is preparing to open the doors of the newly constructed Lennox Performing Arts Center for its first-ever production in the new facility. Seussical the Musical will take the stage this weekend on Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22, with both performances beginning at 7 p.m. Admission will be offered through a free-will donation.

Choosing Seussical as the inaugural production was a natural fit for launching the new Performing Arts Center. 

The show’s whimsical style, colorful world, and imaginative characters highlight the creative possibilities the new space offers. 

The visual aesthetic will match the playful energy of Dr. Seuss’s stories, with vibrant colors, bold staging, and a lively atmosphere.

Bringing Dr. Seuss’s characters to life has been an engaging challenge for the students, who were encouraged to step beyond traditional acting approaches to develop movements and mannerisms of animals and imaginative creatures. Costuming and set creation demanded significant time and creativity, aided by borrowed pieces from Brandon Valley Theater and West Central Band. The production also required extensive musical preparation, as Seussical is nearly entirely sung, involving long hours of music practice and coordination with the choir program.

As opening night approaches, the cast and crew are seeing their efforts come together. Students have grown into their roles, mastering the physicality and personality of their characters while adapting to the new performance environment.

The cast for Seussical the Musical includes:

The Cat in the Hat: Isaak Booker

Jojo: Izzy Gerdes

Horton the Elephant: Isaiah Sayler

Gertrude McFuzz: Lily Kezar

Mayzie La Bird: Sophie Sanchez

Sour Kangaroo: Isabelle Smith

Young Kangaroo: Gretchyn DeBerg

General Gengus Khan Schmitz: Karson Iken

Wickersham Brothers: Emersen Lee, Elijah Johnson, Duncan Johnson

Bird Girls: Ariana Poppens, Maddigan Van Sickle, Lucy Sanchez

Yertle the Turtle: Madix Oltmans

Mayor: Riley Nelson

Mrs. Mayor: Miriam Welch

Grinch: Lincoln Allie

Things: Kaydence Gerry, Alexia Johanson

Who Chorus: Karissa Iken, Ainsley Calhoon, Leo Aesoph, Sophie Wood, Sawyer Johnson, Olivia Johnson, Liz Hanisch, Gracie Wood, Harper Lee, Lucy Carlson, Briar Lee

Jungle Citizens: Alissa Johanson, MollyAnn Ford, James Hermanson, Allison Schulz

Stage Crew: Isabel Gerry, Kamille Schmidt, Olivia Niederbaumer, Andie Brende, Alaina Klenner

Tech Crew: Jacob Carlson, Kellan Lin, Chase Hazuka

The opening weekend will also feature special activities to celebrate the debut of the new Performing Arts Center. The Lennox Boosters will host raffles for themed Seussical baskets, additional prize baskets, and several handmade props from the show. Photo booths will be available for families and guests to enjoy before and after each performance.