Roles open for FSCC production of 'Seussical'

Auditions are underway for the Fort Scott Community College spring production of "Seussical," set to take to the stage in April.

More than 30 people auditioned for roles in the show on Monday at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the FSCC campus. More auditions are planned for 6 p.m. Thursday at the fine arts center. Tryouts are open to community members.

FSCC Theatre Instructor Sarah Mae Lamar said more people auditioned Monday for the spring play than turned out for the first day of tryouts for the theatre department's production of "Godspell" last fall.

"We had more than 'Godspell' our first night," she said. "There are adults and kids in the cast. All ages, sizes and shapes."

Lamar said the production will feature a cast of at least 30, "but there might be as many as 50." Other than the adult roles, there will be two parts for youngsters, and many extras will be cast.

"Seussical" is a musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty based on several books by Dr. Seuss, the famous children's author, that debuted on Broadway in 2000. The play's story is an amalgamation of many of Seuss's most famous books, including "Horton Hears a Who."

The musical has become a favorite of school, community and regional theaters.

"I'm partial to it," Lamar said. "It's been done a ton in K.C. (Kansas City) but it hasn't really been done here. I love the show so much but have never directed it. I wanted to get kids and the community involved and this show will do that. The more kids that are on stage, the more people will come see our shows. We're doing almost community theater."

The plot centers on friendship, acceptance, being an individual and gaining gratitude for life. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant, according to an online transcript of the musical.

Lamar said the play is definitely family-oriented entertainment.

"It's a family show. It's literally Dr. Seuss acted out," she said.

Lamar said she took students in her acting classes to see a production of "Seussical" by a young professional touring theater company in Iola on Tuesday.

"Our production will be rather large, with a large proscenium, moving stairs," and will include numerous other props, costumes and scenery, she said.

Auditions will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the band and conference rooms inside the fine arts center. Lamar said she encourages those who wish to audition to be punctual.

"Be on time to learn the song and dance, then they will audition with those," she said.

Following auditions, the show will be cast and rehearsals will begin. Performances are scheduled for April 10-12 at the fine arts center. There will be three matinee and three evening performances, Lamar said.

Lamar said tickets will likely become available after spring break, probably the last week in March, at various local downtown businesses and the FSCC business office.

For more information, contact Lamar at (620) 223-2700 or by e-mail at sarahmael@fortscott.edu.