J.L. Bowler Performs ‘Seussical’

By CHERYL JENSEN

The Progress

A delightful kids play was presented last week by the students at J.L. Bowler Elementary in Bunkerville. Nightly performances of Seussical the Musical took place on Thursday and Friday, March 29-30 along with two different performances on Saturday April 1.

Two different casts of students were drawn upon to play in the various performances of the play. Students had practiced their parts since January with rehearsals being held three days a week. Each cast had one day on stage and both casts came on Tuesday for dance and song practice.

The production’s director Jamie Jones was excited about the enthusiasm she saw in the kids. “They really used their imaginations in acting and making the scenery,” Jones said. “They even designed the covers for the programs. Performing really gave them self-confidence and an opportunity to be on stage and participate with a group.”

The part of JoJo was played by Madison Anders and Ali Felshaw. The Cat in the Hat was Jaylah Landeros and Ammon Averett. Thing 1 was Terrin Lujan and James Spies. Thing 2 was Sutton Tobler and Austyn Wright. The part of Horton was played by Brody Robison and Angel Contreras. Gerturde McFuzz was played by Abby Dodenbier, and Lyric Griffiths. Mayzie LaBird was played by Alexa Siordia and Carly Sessions. Sour Kangaroo was played by Jaqueline Gomez and Bella Gomes. Young Kangaroo was Ella Klug and Shelby Averett.

Other characters included the Wickershams, jungle citizens, Mr. and Mrs. Mayor, the fish, the Who family, and Judge Yertle the turtle.

The art crew students made the bright colorful Truffula trees and bath tub. Horton even had his nest high in the tree where he tried to hatch the egg! The tech crew were also students who ran the lights and sound.

The Cat in the Hat was the narrator of the production as some of Dr. Seuss’ favorite characters were introduced. Horton, the elephant who talks to the dust ball, played the part well. He had elephant ears and trunk. He was made fun of, arrested and then judged by Yertle the turtle!

Mayzie and Gertrude, the birds, wore fluffy pink skirts. Gertrude, true to the story, only had one feather. She sang: “One Feather Tail.”
Thing 1 and 2 had matching red shirts.

There were many solo parts. Horton gets to sing about hearing a “Who.” JoJo, the cats and fish sing “It’s Possible.” The Wickershams sang “Monkey Around” and were animated in their actions which made the audience laugh at their antics.
The whole cast had fun singing the “Green Eggs and Ham” song as the finale.

Lynette Leavitt was music director. Shaye Whipple was choreographer. Many thanks to the other teachers at J.L. Bowler who helped with the set design, costumes, lighting and sound.