SCS brings "Seussical" to Salem this weekend

Photos by Alexis Maudlin, Alexis Reardon, and Caitlin Kemker

Salem students are proudly bringing the musical Seussical  to the middle school auditorium this weekend! This famous production brings together some of Dr. Seuss’s most iconic characters in one single performance that delivers a good time for the entire family. Under the direction of Caitlin Kemker, the students have worked tirelessly to cross their T’s and dot their I’s in preparation for this weekend.

Showtimes:

• Friday, February 27 at 7:00 pm

• Saturday, February 28 at 2:00 pm

• Sunday, March 1 at 3:00 pm

Tickets are $6 and will be sold at the door.

Director Kemker provided us with an inside look at the process leading up to opening night.

“Much like the Dr. Seuss books, this production carries themes of kindness and love and conveys the importance of all individuals, but it does so in a playful way that is accessible to people of all ages,” Kemker said.

“I really believe that the kids have enjoyed the rehearsal and performance process so far,” she continued. “It is really incredible watching kids that may be reserved in other areas of life really open up not just on stage in performance, but in rehearsal with one another. They all really seem to be connecting with one another and becoming not just the closest friends, but a family... Also, the art classes made all of our set pieces. They have done a ton, and it has really been fantastic.”

Kemker thanked the art classes for creating their then began to discuss the pride she has in her cast, as well as some funny rehearsal memories.

“I am always very proud of this cast,” she said. “They have overcome a lot of scheduling obstacles with a delayed start due to some familial health issues on my part as well as a week and a half of canceled rehearsals due to snow. In spite of this, we have managed to pull together and put together this musical more successfully than I ever could have predicted.”

“I have to mention some funny moments as well, though, because this cast makes me laugh every day that I am with them,” added Kemker. “One stand out story has to do with a small piece of a 2x4 that they discovered in the wings of our auditorium, ‘Plankey.’  Plankey has a face, a personality, and a full backstory. I was first introduced to Plankey when one of our performers was out sick. Suddenly, Plankey was on the stage doing all of the blocking for the missing character. This wooden plank gets more applause, laughter, and encouragement than most humans.”

“If I could tell the community anything, it would just be how hard these kids have worked,” concluded Kemker. “They have adapted in the face of every obstacle. They have helped me learn to be a better director and a better human being.”

So, be sure to stop by the Salem Middle School auditorium this weekend for a show filled with laughs and heartwarming moments, and to support a wonderfully dedicated cast of local students as they prove that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.”