Child thespians entertain in the Sarasota Players' production of 'Seussical'

LAKEWOOD RANCH — From 11-year-old Stevie Romero’s living room, he and friends from Willis Elementary School eagerly chatter of stories written by Dr. Seuss as if they’ve come alive, quoting lines, giggling over characters and even bursting into song about green eggs and ham without much hesitation.

That’s because for these Lakewood Ranch kids, the stories have jumped from paper to reality.

The six students — Romero, Grace Roe, Nicolette and Evan Huit, Joshua Roberson, Ryan Romero, Evan Huit — as well as a few others, are bringing the familiar stories and rhymes of author Dr. Seuss to life as part of the Sarasota Players’ production of “Seussical.”

“I like everything about (the show),” said Stevie, who stars as JoJo.

The musical, which opened Oct. 20, has been extended four nights, with performances at 8 p.m. Nov. 3-5, and 2 p.m. Nov. 6.

“It’s a show for everyone, ages 3 to 103,” Director Bob Trisolini said, noting the show combines about 15 Dr. Seuss stories and characters into one colorful adventure.

As in Dr. Seuss’ books, the stories within the show address topics such as friendship, compassion, bullying and even abandonment, in a way that relates to both children and adults, Trisolini said.

“They’re really terrific,” Trisolini said of the Lakewood Ranch stars. “These are kids that have great instincts — that’s what I look for when I’m casting.”

Indeed, the children, for the last few months, have spent nearly every night rehearsing or performing at The Players Theatre. Keeping up with schoolwork, at times, has been difficult, but the late nights are far worth the effort, they said.

“It feels amazing and sweaty,” Joshua Roberson said of being in the spotlight. “The lights are on you. It feels like you can let everything go when you are on stage.”

The children admit juggling performances with schoolwork has been difficult at times, but it’s something they’ve been able to overcome.

“It’s hard to do homework, because you don’t have a lot of time,” Willis Elementary’s Evan Huit said. “Sometimes, I’ll finish my homework in the morning (before school).”

The actors are hopeful their friends and neighbors will come see their final performances.

“If they had a bad day, they can come and feel better at the end — get some laughs in,” Stevie Romero said. “The only part I don’t like is intermission.”

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

“Seussical”
WHEN: 8 p.m. Nov. 3-5; 2 p.m. Nov. 6
WHERE: The Players Theatre, 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
TICKETS: $25; $35 for the All-Star Children’s Foundation Charity Night Nov. 6
WEB: www.theplayers.org

East County Cast and Crew
Summer Boucher (ensemble): Braden River Middle School
Caity Cairo (Cindy Lou Who/ensemble): Rowlett Performing Arts Magnet School
Evan Huit (Vlad Vladikoff): Willis Elementary School
Nicolette Huitt (ensemble): Willis Elementary School
Andrew Kent (ensemble): Manatee School for the Arts
Joshua Roberson (ensemble): Willis Elementary School
Grace Roe (Ensemble): Home schooled
Stevie Romero (JoJo): Willis Elementary School
Ryan Romero (technical staff): Nolan Middle School
Vivienne Teyke (ensemble): Nolan Middle School School
Channing Weir (Mayzie): Lakewood Ranch High School