After months and months of preparation, U. City thespians presented Suessical the Musical, treating audience members to a colorful display of characters and stories. The musical was a joy to all who attended.

“Seussical was an excellent play and story that took a real scenario and made it understandable for the younger audience,” said sophomore Allie Hines.

Many seemed particularly impressed with Demetrious Clayton, who played Horton the Elephant.

“One of my favorite actors in the musical was Demetrious Clayton,” said junior Brandie Bethany. “I felt that this was a good part for him and he played it very well. I am so proud of him.”

Clayton himself couldn’t have been more elated about his performance.

“I wouldn’t change anything,” Clayton said. “We practiced hard, and it was so fun. We made mistakes, but even though we made mistakes, we made them right when we practiced. We had some drama, but that’s what makes theater theater – we all came together and it was a huge success.”

One of the play’s most memorable scenes referenced the Wichersham Brothers of the story Horton Hears a Who, whose song “Monkeying Around” featured senior Ryan Humphrey as a soloist.

“It was a real upbeat kind of song,” said Humphrey. “The orchestra really gave it a jazzy kind of flavor to it. Really, it was just one of the most-liked and popular songs in the Seussical.”

U-City held Seussical the Musical on February 25 and 26, but the production was the result of months of work. Tryouts were held in November, the actors and crew took 10 to 12 weeks to finalize everything.

Though not onstage, two U. City staff members made the musical one of their top priorities. Band director Daniel Shavers conducted the orchestra after studying the music for several weeks. Choir director Caroline Ibnabdeljalil who played a major role in the musical as the music director, singing instructor, stage director, and she was in charge of publicity. She considered the play one of the school’s greatest successes.

“I thought that the kids did an amazing job,” said Ibnabdeljalil. “The energy and respect that the kids had for the show… I wouldn’t change anything.”

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