By Heather Lusk
Musical theater productions are coming to both Zionsville middle schools March 13 and 14, with Zionsville West Middle School students performing Suessical Jr. and Zionsville Middle School featuring Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.
Suessical Jr. is shorter version of the Broadway show Suessical the Musical but still includes many musical mash-ups of Dr. Suess stories, such as Horton Hears a Who and The Cat in the Hat.
Lynne Manning, ZWMS Drama School Director, feels that the musical will appeal to all ages and has wonderful messages for kids.
“I like the fact that Dr. Suess is inspirational,” Manning said. “It’s about honoring your commitments, doing your best and being a good friend.”
A different type of performance, Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. is a great show for middle school students, according to co-director Courtney Shelbourne.
“It deals with growing up, fitting in and learning how a materialistic attitude can cloud what is most important,” Shelbourne said.
The show includes plenty of song and dance numbers, and the performance will showcase the abilities of a large cast of talented middle school students, Shelbourne said. The version is a bit shorter than the original Broadway production with some songs removed from the score, and some dialogue and themes have been altered for a younger audience.
“ZMS prides itself in putting on a completely student-run show,” Shelbourne said. “This is a great opportunity for students to practice leadership, teamwork and acquire skills in adapting under pressure.”
TICKETS AND SHOWTIMES
Suessical Jr. performances are at 7 p.m. Tickets are available through the door to West Hall at Zionsville West Middle School. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students and $25 for families.
Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr. performances are March 13 at 7 p.m. and March 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door before the performance and are $5 for adults and $3 for children or students.
