Bright colors, a lively cast, crazy music and a powerful message. Those were the ingredients used by the Theater Department to create success.

Seussical, the 2011 spring musical, blends the outrageous tales of Dr. Seuss and the magic of live entertainment in one fun-filled night.

The story begins with a young boy, JoJo, who dares to dream with the help of his new friend: a big black cat in a red top hat.

By the end of the play, their message is clear: be yourself no matter who or what gets in your way.

Seussical takes the audience on a ride through various Dr. Seuss stories, mixing and matching characters. The cast burst into song and didn’t stop till the curtain was down.

Through rhyme and song, the audience was transported into the inner workings of Dr. Seuss’s mind.

“There is so much energy and everyone is on stage,” said junior Anna Toussaint, who played a Who.

From the pink jungle to the Christmas-lit Whoville, each scene brought a new surprise. They had big trees and little trees, pink and green, a circus here and a fish pool there.

Equally as fascinating were the various costumes and roles. The tutus of the showgirls and feathers of the bird girls were made of vibrant colors that could previously only be found in the pages of a Dr. Seuss book.

Throughout the play, the audience met tigers, snakes, fish, Whos and clowns. There were friends to be found in all shapes, sizes and species.

“It was a great experience and we worked hard to put the show together for some time,” said sophomore Mirjam Holushka, who played a Cadet and a Hunch. “We were rewarded.”

Best of all was the enthusiasm from the cast. You could really tell they were having the time of their lives. Each number was brought and performed with as much effort as the last.

“Seussical is my favorite play I have been in,” said sophomore Drew Holcombe, who played the Mayor of Whoville.

Holcombe has been a part of many of musicals in which he has been an extra, but the role of the Mayor has allowed him to show off his skills front and center. Much like the rest of the cast, he was just glad to be a part of it all.

“It is just a fun and energetic part,” said Holcombe.

Leading up to the premiere of Seussical, the cast spent hours after the final bell rang going over lines making sure they had it right. Some days they stayed until 9 PM.

“It was definitely exhausting,” said Holcombe, “but it was worth it.”