Fremont High School Presents “Seussical: The Musical”

Story and Photos By Alicia Jaimes

A Who with an overactive imagination.
An elephant with a belief.

I had the opportunity to join about 40 Grant high school students at the Dogwood Center in  previewing  “Seussical,” directed by Shayn Doran, before its opening night Thursday, May 3 at 7 p.m.
“Seussical” dives into the importance of imagination and the struggle of living in a world where people will try to counteract your “thinks.”
Jordyn Raymo as Cat in the Hat gives an energetic performance as not only a friend to young Jojo, performed by Dayna Dekryger, but as a storyteller throughout the play.
From school time to bath time, Jojo is a kid who constantly finds himself in trouble because of his imagination and creativity; however, all of this changes after  meeting a like-minded soul.
Horton the Elephant, performed by Alex Tillery, believes “a person’s a person, no matter how small,” and discovers Whoville, as he’s out daydreaming again, and befriends Jojo.
Coming from two separate universes, Horton and Jojo find comfort in one another as they realize that “anything’s possible.” The two will find themselves fighting for what they believe in against the Wickersham Brothers, played by Mateo Rodriguez, Colton Yuhasz and Aidan Petz, and the citizens of Whoville, performed by the Fremont Middle School.
Along with this story of strength is a story of love. Gertrude McFuzz, performed by Natalie Hines, finds herself smitten with the brave elephant, but frightened nobody would love her and her unusual tail. Gertrude finds herself in a struggle as her character battles bullies on her way to self-confidence.

​Rehearsing for a solid two months, the entire performance was memorable, flashy and creative. The Fremont High School and Middle School did an excellent job with this performance; and you can really feel the passion in their voices and see the commitment these students have to their roles. 
The resonating voices of Valerie Herioux (Sour Kangaroo) and Jordyn Doran(Mayzie LaBird) will leave you feeling sassy as ever as they own the stage with their triumphant stride  and colorful costumes. 
For those who love shows with crowd interaction, you’ll be left with lots of laughs after attending this performance. 
“Seussical” is a show for everyone. Bring your kids, bring your friends—you won’t be disappointed.
The performance will leave you humming tunes all week.
“Seussical” will be performed Thursday, May 3 and Friday, May 4 at 7 p.m. and twice on Saturday, May 5 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Dogwood Center in Fremont. Ticket prices are: $15/adult, $10/student and $5/5 and under and can be purchased by phone at 231-924-8885, online at dogwoodcenter.com or at the box office. Box office hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and two hours prior to the event.