Surpassing the drama of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wekiva High School Theatre department is mounting its first live, on-stage musical in more than two years.
More than 40 WHS students will put on “Seussical: The Musical” on April 21, 22, and 23 in the Wekiva High School auditorium beginning at 7 p.m. each day.
Featuring a cast of Dr. Seuss literary characters including Horton the Elephant and The Cat in the Hat, the family-friendly “Seussical: The Musical” had its Broadway debut in 2000. The musical was selected as this year’s school production because of its message as well as its suitability for musical theater students to perform.
“I chose ‘Seussical: The Musical’ this year because it was a good show for the students that are in the musical theater production,” said Krista Amico, WHS Theatre director, who instructs more than 200 students six periods a day. “It’s a great story to be told right now. It’s about how ‘A person’s a person no matter how small.’ I feel like that’s a really good lesson for all of our students and because they feel like they have a voice with this piece. They think more than ever right now they need that voice because they didn’t feel like they had one last year.”
The previous school year, students performed “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” virtually.
The WHS Theatre program has recently made history and had monumental success at the Florida State Thespian Festival. Receiving top honors and perfect scores, Wekiva’s Troupe 7209 was recognized by the entire state after its first ever Best in Show designation in November 2021. At the District V Festival, Wekiva was chosen to represent all of District V, which makes up a large portion of Central Florida, at the festival.
Costing $5,000 to produce, Wekiva Theatre is collecting donations for “Seussical: The Musical.” The department also welcomes much-needed equipment such as paintbrushes, paint, drill bits, and screws.
Wekiva High School is located at 2501 Hiawassee Road, Apopka. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.
For more information about the theater program, tickets to “Seussical: The Musical,” and to donate, visit www.wekivatheatre.com.
