A group of community members are coming together once again to produce a show at Broadalbin-Perth Elementary School.
Students, faculty and alumni will put on "Seussical Jr." The musical features a slightly abridged storyline and shorter songs adapted for a younger cast.
“So we really hit the high points,” said Jennifer Szumowski, co-director of the musical.
The cast, which features around 80 students in second through sixth grade, has been practicing since January and is beginning to put its work in motion — literally, as they start to learn their choreography and stage the scenes, figuring out how to best utilize the space under the spotlight.
“They're super excited and putting in a lot of effort,” said Szumowski. “They're loving it.”
"Seussical Jr." follows fictional elephant Horton who is tasked with protecting the citizens of Whoville. Themes such as unity and friendship define the show that centers around the community coming together in the face of adversity.
“I love the theme of the story. It's just all about being yourself. And realizing that everyone matters and everyone's important,” said Szumowski. “There's a song called ‘Alone in the Universe' that Jojo and Horton sing and it is absolutely beautiful. I don't believe there'll be a dry eye in the house when these two children sing.”
Life imitates art in this story where many members of the Broadalbin-Perth community are joining forces for one robust show.
Technology teacher Jon Aery is serving as the show’s technical director and will work with students in the crew on lighting, backgrounds and other elements.
“Without giving too much away, we have a large production screen, which we have a rear projector for, and our technical director has some pretty cool productions hooked up,” said Szumowski.
Also joining the thespians are two recent alumni of Broadalbin-Perth Jr./Sr. High School, Trenton Richmond and Lilly Faukner, who both graduated in 2023 yet continue to volunteer their time toward the program.
Richmond is helping design the sets, while Faulkner is taking on an assistant director role alongside co-directors Szumowski and Tammy Staie.
“A lot of them come and help the little ones with their dancing, some of them will come back and help during the performances,” Szumowski said. “It's great to have to have them come back and get to see them again.”
The performances will take place at 6:30 p.m. on April 19 and 20, in addition to a matinee at 1:30 p.m. on April 21. Ticketing information will be announced at a later date.