Nothing so musical as creatures of Seussical

An upcoming musical production promises to transport audiences into the fanciful stories of Dr. Seuss.

Gila Ridge High School presents "Seussical The Musical" Thursday through Saturday.

"I guarantee people will leave the show with a song in their mind," said drama teacher Bob Rammelt. "If they don't come out humming 'Oh The Thinks You Can Think,' then we've done something wrong."

Rammelt said that everyone has read a Dr. Seuss story at some time or other and this show brings out a warm and fuzzy feeling.

He added that the diversity of Seuss' books allows a variety of musical styles to appeal to anybody's taste. Also, there is not just one catchy song but nearly every tune is a toe-tapper. What is more, the production is almost 90 percent music, Rammelt said.

"It keeps everything flowing. There's no slow period ... so there's no chance to get bored, which is what Seuss did and did so well."

"Seussical The Musical" plays Thursday at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. as well as Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $6 in advance or $8 at the Gila Ridge Performance Arts Center. The high school is located on 24th Street just west of Arizona Western College.

Tickets can be purchased at the Gila Ridge bookstore, from any drama club member or at the door. Proceeds will go toward supporting all fine arts programs at the school.

This production features some of Yuma's finest young actors who bring to life some of the most memorable Seuss characters through fabulous songs and storytelling, Rammelt said.

Student Liz Baker is "just phenomenal" and will be playing the Cat in the Hat, Rammelt said, adding that Baker has amazing energy and audiences will be shocked that she can summon such consistent stamina and keep bouncing back again.

"And the vocal work of Melanie Alameda is an amazingly mature voice for a sophomore. It will make you go 'Wow!' She plays Sour Kangaroo, the nemesis of Horton."  Meanwhile, James Irr, who plays Horton, has a "wonderful voice and an honest sincerity," Rammelt said. James' 9-year old brother, Jason, plays JoJo.

The players are accompanied by a "small orchestra" of two pianos and drums.

"These performers are truly the nicest kids and such hard workers," said Rammelt. "Unfortunately, kids get a bad rap. But these kids are very respectful of everyone in the production and are incredibly dedicated.

** Click here for Seussical slideshow: http://www.yumasun.com/sections/slideshow/?id=2517781