Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School students to stage wild and wacky 'Seussical'

Oh, the places they’ll go on stage at Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School!

A student-driven production of the wildly colorful and comic “Seussical” will leave audiences marveling at the kooky costumes and toe-tapping tunes adapted from the stories of legendary children’s author Dr. Seuss.

“I love making people laugh, and I love being in character,” said senior Alana Rudolf, 18. “My favorite song is the opening number. It just feels so alive, and it makes me just wanna dance.”

The show premieres Friday, March 31, and runs through Sunday, April 2.

The chaotic comedy by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty debuted on Broadway in 2000.

Springdale theater director Anthony Martello said creative possibilities are endless for a show like “Seussical.”

“It’s my favorite show to direct because of the absurdity of it all,” he said.

“There’s some serious content, which is interesting for a musical based on a children’s book. There are themes of loneliness and bullying, but it’s masked under craziness and cool characters.”

Martello, a teacher at Propel Montour Middle School, performed extensively throughout the Pittsburgh region as a teen with East End Kids, a premier song and dance ensemble.

He is in his second year as head of the drama program at Springdale.

“I just want everyone to feel welcome,” he said. “We’re asking them to do strange things, dance and sing in front of their peers — which is a literal nightmare. I want everyone to feel free to express themselves.”

The plot follows escapades of characters dressed in a yellow top hat, blue tutu and the iconic, giant red bow tie, among others.

“I really enjoy being able to step out of my comfort zone while on stage,” senior Hailey Shondeck said. “It is definitely difficult learning how to act as someone that you aren’t, but I enjoy the challenge.”

The 18-year-old has been a fan of musical theater since elementary school, watching faithfully each year until she decided to join the fray in seventh grade.

She said the colorful set and madcap props will keep the audience on their toes.

Senior Georgia Dale agreed, while emphasizing the complexities of the story line. Beneath the silliness, the story tackles themes that adults will pick up on, she said.

“It may seem like an easy-to-read plot, but it can have many hidden meanings as our director makes sure we’re aware of,” said Dale, 18, who plans to pursue music education in college.

On-stage antics aside, Dale said she most enjoys making memories.

“Each year, there is at least one thing we look back on, and I know this year will be no different,” she said.