Payge Cornell, senior at Warren High School, plays Mayzie La Bird in the production of “Seussical” the school is putting on May 2-4. Mayzie is who lays the egg and leaves it for Horton to guard. The scene is the end of the song that introduces her. (Photo Provided)

BARLOW — As the lights go up and the students of Warren High School start to perform and sing, it will be the sights and sounds of Dr. Seuss that will soar and ring.

The school will be presenting “Seussical” May 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. and May 4 at 2 p.m. in the school’s auditorium.

Tickets are $10-$12 in advance and can be bought online at https://tinyurl.com/aapytefh. Tickets can also be purchased at the door beginning one hour before each show for $12-$15.

Based on the Tony Award winning musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the show brings to life a number of Dr. Seuss’ most beloved characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. The colorful characters transport the audience from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

“Every year, we sit down and consider who the different students are that we think will be auditioning, and we try to find a show that we think will fit their voices and their personalities,” said James Sundquist, Warren’s Choir Director and director of the show. “We also like to try and find a show that has a large cast so that as many people as possible can be a part of it.

Horton the Elephant, played by Warren High School junior Taylor Richards, and Gertrude McFuzz, played by senior Holly Swaney, in the school production of “Seussical” being performed May 2-4. Horton has been sitting on Mayzie La Bird’s egg in the tree for some time, and Getrude has just found him again. (Photo Provided)

“We are so excited with how this year’s students have taken to their respective roles.”

Sundquist enjoys the chance to interact with the students and others involved with the show.

“It’s a great joy to work with these kids and see them grow, and it’s also a joy to work with the rest of the directing staff – the five of us get along really well and have a great time together,” he said.

Senior Mollie Smith, who is playing The Cat in the Hat, has enjoyed being involved with the different shows throughout high school.

“Each show I’ve done has left a mark on me, and I’m so thankful for every moment,” she said. “Getting to finish my senior year with `Seussical’ is the best kind of goodbye.”

The Cat in the Hat, played by Warren High School Senior Mollie Smith, takes center stage during a scene in the school’s production of “Seussical” running May 2-4. The show features a number of famous characters from the works of Dr. Seuss. (Photo Provided)

Horton the Elephant is one of Dr. Seuss’ most well known characters. In this production, Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.

Junior Taylor Richards is bringing Horton to life.

“It’s been a little hard to play a well-known character like Horton in real life,” he said. “The most stressful part, I think, is trying to play an animal on stage in general.

“But in the end, I’ve had so much fun playing Horton. This show is a lot different than the other shows we’ve done, and I’m super excited to put it on stage in front of an audience.”

This is the first Warren High School musical production for freshman Saylah Waggoner who is playing Bird Girl #2.

From left, Sam Perdue, senior; Liam Nuzum, junior; and Dawson Staley, senior; play the Wickersham Brothers - a group of monkeys that sort of harass Horton the Elephant from time to time throughout the Warren High School production of “Seussical” on May 2-4. (Photo Provided)

“This experience of being able to be in this musical has been amazing,” she said. “I’ve gotten closer to people that I have never thought I would get close to and have learned so much more about myself and music.

“Even though I don’t have as much experience as others, I’ve discovered that passion, dedication, and willingness to learn can go a long way.”

A scene from the Warren High School production of “Seussical” which will run May 2-4. The scene shows Gertrude McFuzz, played by senior Holly Swaney, along with the Cat in the Hat, played by senior Mollie Smith, and others. Gertrude has just taken pills that will make her tail grow long and beautiful and they’re starting to take effect. (Photo Provided)