'Seussical JR' Comes to Madison Junior School

The Madison Junior School sixth, seventh and eighth graders are set to perform “Seussical JR,” the musical based on the works of Dr. Seuss on Friday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 8 at 4 p.m. at the Madison Junior School auditorium. 

Funds raised at the shows will be used to produce future MJS musicals. Tickets will be available at the door for $7 per adult and $5 per student.

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in “Seussical JR,” a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

“The 70 students who are performing and assisting with the musical are an incredibly talented and inspirational group. It has been a joy to watch them work so hard and make such strides,” said Ariana Ciolino, Madison Junior School's chorus teacher who is directing the production.

Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat, the narrator of the musical, tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos, including JoJo, a Who child who gets in trouble for thinking too many "thinks."

Horton’s challenge is twofold – not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie LaBird. 

Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.  Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!

"Seussical JR" combines many of Dr. Seuss’ beloved books into a great musical for the whole family,” noted assistant director Kiera Chiarino. "We are offering a Saturday matinee performance at 4 p.m. so that families with young children can attend, support the junior school students in this family-friendly production, and get a glimpse of what our school district has to offer as their children advance in the public school system.” 

Both teachers are joined by Chris Crowley, who is in charge of the set and design.

For more information on the MJS Musical, contact Ariana Ciolino at Madison Junior School at 973-593-3149.