East Texas A&M University's School of Music opened its production of “Seussical the Musical” on April 9 in the Finney Concert Hall of the Music Building, bringing a whimsical and heartfelt performance to the stage while showcasing student talent and creativity. Additional performances will be held April 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m., with a 3 p.m. matinee April 12. Admission is free.

When the lights dimmed over the audience on opening night, singing backed strongly by musical instruments quickly boomed beautifully throughout the concert hall. Energetic dance numbers, emotional performances and colorful costumes brought the story to life, while catchy songs lingered long after each number ended, leaving melodies stuck in the heads of audience members as the show unfolded.

Directed by Dr. Patrick McNally, assistant professor of voice and director of opera, the production takes on the classic world of Dr. Seuss, reimagining the original musical written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty through the lens of childhood imagination. Instead of emphasizing elaborate fantasy, the show presents the story as a child at play, transforming everyday an backyard into a colorful world inspired by Dr. Seuss.

“Our entire season has focused on reconnecting with a sense of childlike wonder,” McNally said. “This musical seeks to entertain and remind us of the lessons we learned growing up—lessons that are often too easy to forget.”

One of the most memorable staging elements centered on Horton the Elephant, who spent much of the production perched in an artfully crafted tree, faithfully guarding an egg. The tree itself, a focal point of the story’s central conflict, served as a dynamic set piece, smoothly rolled to different locations by cast members as the story progressed.

The production featured approximately 20 student performers from the Spring 2026 course Ensemble: Opera Scenes, along with instrumentalists and a student-led technical crew, all gaining hands-on experience in performance and production. McNally said the project reflected the program's commitment to preparing students for careers in music while fostering creativity and collaboration.

The Cast

• Cat in the Hat – Zach Reinert (Thursday and Saturday) / Feliberty Irizarry (Friday and Saturday)
• Jojo – Erica Martinez
• Horton the Elephant – Stephen Alexander Ford Chance (Thursday and Saturday) / Lynzie Van Fleet (Friday and Sunday)
• Gertrude McFuzz – Emalyn Nicholson
• Mayzie La Bird – Katie Breedlove (Thursday and Friday) / Madison Slough (Saturday and Sunday)
• Mrs. Mayor – Victoria Barron (Thursday and Saturday) / Riley Robbins (Friday and Saturday)
• Sour Kangaroo – Juni Gomez
• General Genghis Khan Schmitz / Vlad Vladikoff / Max – Carlos Cruz
• BG’s – Katie Breedlove, Madison Slough, Mackenzie Deaver, Hayden Rosales
• Wickersham Brothers – Zach Reinert, Daniel Feliberty Irizarry, Xavier Trent, Emiliano Palomo

The Crew

• Director – Dr. Patrick McNally
• Assistant Director – Analyse Melendez
• Stage Manager – Lydiah Hoff
• Props Manager – Hannah Williams

The Band

• Music Director / Keys 1 – Laura Maxwell
• Reed 1 – Kohron Smith
• Reed 2 – Kaleb Wood
• Reed 3 – Legend Gutierrez
• Trumpet 1 – Lizbeth Morales
• Trumpet 2 – Julia Roy
• Percussion – Gary Hammond
• Drum Set – Esaias Wilkerson

Part of the School of Music, the opera program offers students opportunities to perform in fully staged productions while developing skills in voice, acting and stagecraft. Graduates often pursue careers in performance and music education.

McNally, who has guided award-winning vocal students and competition finalists, said the level of musicianship in the production stood out.

“The story is touching and important,” he said. “But it's the high level of musicianship that allows us to open our hearts to everything ‘Seussical' has to offer.”

To learn about the continued performances, visit the ETAMU Community Calendar.