Months of after-school rehearsals with singing, dancing, laughing and learning will come to a head this weekend for high school drama students when they take the stage at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall. A cast of 28 thespians from
Months of after-school rehearsals with singing, dancing, laughing and learning will come to a head this weekend for high school drama students when they take the stage at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall.
A cast of 28 thespians from the three Kauai high schools have been rehearsing for the production of “Seussical” with the Kauai Performing Arts Center. For two weekends, the actors will put on the musical comedy based on the works of Dr. Seuss. The fast-moving and colorful show is directed by Steven Carrasco and choreographed by Sarah D. Carrasco.
“It’s really 15 Dr. Seuss books rolled all together into one play. It’s magical,” said Carrasco, while taking a break from one of the 5-day-a-week rehearsals.
With what Carrasco calls cool messages about love, bullying, self-esteem, isolation and judging others by what’s on the inside, the play touches on subjects that cross all age groups.
Junior MeKenna Pascua said when she was in elementary school she would visit the library and read Dr. Seuss books whenever she got bored. Now the 16-year-old is playing one of the lead roles, Gertrude McFuzz, a quirky, awkward self-conscious bird with only one feather for a tale. She tries to get Horton, the Elephant, to notice her.
“It’s nostalgic being a Dr. Seuss character and portraying his message that you don’t have to be fancy,” said Pascua. “It’s more important how you treat people.”
Watch for the surprise when Pascua has to perform some costume trickery with a 20-foot tail in an attempt to transform McFuzz.
Carrasco brings an array of vast acting experience to his directing. He said his role as Adolfo in the national touring production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” was a big influence because Adolfo is a larger than life character, like many of the Seussical characters.
“I used a similar vaudeville style with the students and I also had them strike poses like superheroes would,” he said.
Shows times are 7 p.m. at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays and will run today though Sunday April 13. Tickets are $10 in advance for adults and $12 at the door. Student prices are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.
Tickets are available from cast members and ticket outlets around the island including North Shore Pharmacy, Kilauea; Jim Saylor jewelry, Kapaa; Vim ‘N Vigor, Lihue; Scotty’s Music, Kalaheo and Wong’s Restaurant, Hanapepe.
