The Santa Maria-Bonita School District will offer three free performances of the musical “Seussical Jr.,” featuring a collaborative cast from the district’s four junior high schools.
Performances will be 6 p.m. Thursday, May 22, and 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday, May 23 in the Tommie Kunst Junior High School multi-purpose room. Doors open 30 minutes before each show.
The “Seussical Jr.” cast features 20 students from Arellanes, El Camino, Fesler, and Tommie Kunst junior high schools.
Since auditions in September, the students have engaged in a rigorous rehearsal schedule, meeting weekly as a full ensemble and working with site advisors at their individual schools to master the show’s choreography, vocals, and acting sequences.
In January, the group increased rehearsals to twice a week to prepare for the May debut.
The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive theater experience, regardless of their prior background in the arts, organizers said.
By using professional-grade costumes, sets and props, the district said it aims to prepare students for high school drama programs while fostering teamwork and discipline.
“This experience is a little slice of Broadway theatre in Santa Maria,” said Kelly Hargett, play director and coordinator. “The sets are elaborate, the costumes are amazing, and the hard work put in by our students is second to none.
“Who knows. you may see the next Lin Manuel Miranda right here in our town.”