ALLEGANY, N.Y. — A cast will be teaming with girls, and a few boys, when Allegany-Limestone Middle/High School presents “Seussical” the musical on Feb. 10-11 at the school auditorium.
Musical director and producer Jessica Budzynski said the popular two-act musical, written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty for Broadway, was selected for this year’s production because of the number of talented students able to fill the roles. The plot revolves around many of the characters found in Dr. Seuss’s most famous books.
“Anytime we pick a musical, we look at the kids we’ve got and the talent we have,” Budzynski said. “We knew we had incredibly strong singers and tons and tons of girls. So we wanted to utilize them in the best way.” She said 35 students in grades seven through 12 are in the cast, as well as an additional 15 in the stage crew.
Budzynski, who is producing her first Allegany-Limestone play, marks her second year as music teacher for students in grades six through 12. She previously taught at Maryvale High School in Cheektowaga, where she also directed musicals. Directing and providing choreography for the production is Budzynski’s fiance, Kevin Leary, who is managing director of the Theatre of Youth in downtown Buffalo.
Budzynski said the set, which will be constructed by volunteers and parents this weekend, will comprise a relatively basic and simple design.
“We never want the costumes or set to take away from what’s happening on stage with the kids,” Budzynski explained. “It’s very high energy and lots going (in the show.) Mostly it will inspire audiences to think in other ways they’re not used to thinking, and that’s the goal.”
Performers who commented on the production included 11th grade student Makayla Alford, who is playing a “bird girl.”
“I’m enjoying it so far … and I think I might do another musical,” Alford said. “But it’s a lot of work, definitely.”
She was referring to the dance routines the students have had to learn for the production.
Another “bird girl,” Violet Nolder, an eighth grade student, admitted she initially wasn’t impressed with the show, but thinks otherwise now.
“It’s turning out to be really great so I’m glad I’m doing it,” Nolder said.
Ashlyn Schuman, a 10th grader, is a Who character and had performed in the musical when it was produced by Olean Community Theatre.
“I really like the way it’s coming together,” Schuman said.
Aline Wintermantel, a junior, plays the Cat in the Hat.
“I like playing a part way outside of my comfort zone,” she said, noting she has performed very feminine parts in the past. “The cat is a gender non-specific part … so I’m playing with a lack of guidelines for the character.”
Budzynski said the show will be staged at 7 p.m. Feb. 10, and 2 and 7 p.m. Feb. 11. Admission is $8 for the public and $6 for students and senior citizens.
