FPM‘s most talented performers presented three nights filled with music, entertainment, fun, and laughter during their production of Seussical the Musical. Based mainly on Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears a Who, the musical follows the characters of Horton, played by Matthew Santos and JoJo, played by Charlie Turner, while also overlapping with other famous Seuss novels such as Green Eggs and Ham and Horton Hatches the Egg. The entire show is narrated by the Cat In The Hat, played by Ben Marquez, who excellently helps drive the plot of the story as emcee.
The show’s successful three night run couldn’t have been done without the collaborative efforts of FPM’s music department. Those who worked in the background or on the side were just as vital as those on the stage. The school’s orchestra teacher, Mr. Dura led the Pitt Ensemble, a mixture of student and professional musicians, in providing a soundtrack for the show’s frequent musical numbers, as well as transitional music for in-between scene changes and dialogue. Additionally, Choir Director Mrs. Koch worked with the student actors to rehearse for their musical performances within the show. Thanks to her effort with the cast, they sounded phenomenal on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Tim O’Reilly created the set background and managed the stage crew. Thanks to the stage crew’s effort, the backdrop of the show included a swingset, a slide, and an elevated platform that were used throughout the show. Lastly, Matthew Kenna, the show’s director and an FPM alumni, worked tirelessly, attending every rehearsal from the beginning of the year through March, to put the production together. Choreography, musical scenes, dialogue, and more were perfected through Kenna and the student actors’ hard work.
The student cast allowed the school’s most gifted and hard working singers, actors, and musicians to show off their talent. The ages of the cast ranged from 14-year-olds in eighth grade, to 18-year-olds in senior year. No matter the differences in experience, the leads, as well as the ensemble were excellent. In fact, Matt Santos and Charlie Turner, two of the main performers, were nominated for Roger Rees awards for their performances. They now have the opportunity to compete with other student actors in New York City for the chance to be finalists at the National High School Theatre awards or Jimmy awards.
Once again, the FPM Theater Department had another successful musical production. Now the only question that remains is, can next year’s musical top Seussical?
