Theatre Group Prepares For ‘Seussical Jr.’

July 28, 2008 Contributor

FULTON, NY – More than three dozen children are spending their days singing, dancing and having a “Who-onderful” as they prepare for Rising Stars Children’s Theatre’s summer production of “Seussical Jr.”

Rising Stars Children’s Theatre kicked off rehearsals for its summer theatre program July 21. Rehearsals are held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., every week day on stage at G. Ray Bodley High School. The program will wrap up with three performances of the show at 7 p.m., Aug. 1; and again at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Aug. 2.

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“Seussical is a compilation of many of Dr. Seuss’ best stories and favorite characters,” said Deb Pearson, co-founder of Rising Stars. “It has characters like Horton, the Whos, the Grinch, Gertrude McFuzz and, of course, the Cat in the Hat.

“Some of the things that make this show so much fun are the over-the-top costumes, the brightly-colored fantasy stage and the great music,” Pearson said. “The children relate well to the characters because they have grown up with them.”

Pearson said that 43 children who range in age from 5 to 16 years old are enrolled in the summer program. Longer than the two programs that Rising Stars hosted earlier this year during the February and April breaks from school, the summer session spans two weeks instead of one.

“For the kids, time doesn’t seem to be the defining factor,” Pearson said. “It is more how much fun they have each day.”

Pearson said that shows for the one-week programs are shorter in length.

“This is a full-hour musical,” Pearson said.

For the first week of rehearsals, the cast focused on the “big numbers,” Pearson said. The second week will concentrate on the smaller scenes and the solos that the children will perform.

“We are certainly off to a great start,” Pearson said. “By the end of the second day of rehearsals, the cast was able to perform the entire opening number.

“There is a lot more to do to prepare for this show,” she added. “It has been a lot of work but the kids are having a great time.”

The show is being directed by Meghan Pearson with musical direction by Shayne Knight. The crew also includes Jacob Bremkamp, Corey Hopkins, Jennifer Pearson and Jennica Vehrs.

Questions about the program or ticket information can be directed to Rising Stars at 288-5052. missing or outdated ad config

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