Beaufort County Schools
Friday was the annual celebration of beloved children’s author Theodor Seuss Geisel better known as Dr. Seuss. This year, Washington High School planned a special treat for everyone in honor of Seuss by performing the Broadway hit Seussical™ the musical for their annual spring musical.
In the past few months, students diligently worked to balance their schoolwork with the added responsibilities of putting on this year’s performance. Under the direction of Penny Paul, Mellissa Moore and Damon Walcott, all Visual Arts teachers at WHS, the students transformed the WHS Performing Arts Center into a “Whoville” that would rival any of Seuss’ own drawings.
With the help of Travis Carter, students were transformed from quiet, everyday students to the popular larger-than-life characters made popular by Dr. Seuss.
Of course, all musicals need singing and WHS had that covered as well. Under the direction of Keith Dublin, WHS band and choral director, students learned 36 songs to carry the cast through this two-act musical narrated by everyone’s favorite Cat in the Hat.
The Visual and Performing Arts Department is always looking for those that are willing to step up and offer help with the musical and, once again, the Pam Pack family’s own pulled through.
Due to staff changes, the idea of choreographing this year’s production seemed like it would be a cumbersome task, but WHS alumni and current English teacher Mila Arnold stepped up and choreographed the entire production.
Another of the Pack family, Sara Robinson, stepped up to aid “her babies” by putting aside her custodian duties for a moment and teaching a quick lesson on sewing and running a sewing machine.
Likewise, Windy Younce, teacher of the visually impaired, volunteered her talents and even took two dresses home to complete them.
“It’s all for the children, we got to help them any way we can,” Robinson said.
“Seussical the musical” was presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
The show ran Friday and Saturday. All Beaufort County Schools students in PreK-5 received a complementary ticket good for either night’s performance.