Seussical The Musical is a box office hit!

Emily Schlangen, Journalist • April 28, 2025

The cast and crew of this years spring musical, Seussical, are working hard as it gets closer to show time!

The Costume and Set Crew for the Musical, helped make everything come alive. (Photo's used with permission from Kelli Kilmer)

Introduction to the Musical

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As Spring Sports and Activities have begun, one activity has stood out for its creativity, effort, and inclusivity.

Sartell High School’s theatre department has diligently worked on its spring musical, Seussical. This whimsical, family-friendly production is based on Dr. Seuss’s beloved works. Created by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, Seussical combines characters and stories from several of Seuss’s books, most notably featuring Horton from Horton Hears a Who! and the mischievous Cat in the Hat.

The musical’s storyline follows Horton the Elephant as he discovers a tiny world on a speck of dust and fights to protect it, all while facing ridicule and challenges. Along the way, themes of friendship, loyalty, and the power of imagination come to life through catchy songs, colorful characters, and Seuss’s signature rhymes.

It’s a fun and heartwarming celebration of creativity and believing in the impossible, perfect for audiences of all ages.

Seussical’s debut was technically on Thursday, April 24th, but the High Schoolers and musical director, Kelli Kilmer, partnered with schools within the district to help spread magic. Oak Ridge’s Kindergartners had the opportunity to view the Musical on April 23rd at 12:30 for a fun incorporation to their school day, and Pine Meadow made the all-school field trip to Sartell High School on April 25th to see Seussical the Musical because there’s nothing better than Sabres celebrating with Sabres!

Outside of these closed performances, four additional dates were open for the public to watch and support the theatre department. These dates were Thursday, April 24th at 7:00 PM, Friday, April 25th at 7:00 PM, and Saturday, April 26th at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

This opened the door for interviews with Paisley Watson, who plays Jojo, one of the main characters, and Kelli Kilmer, the musical’s director.

The Costume and Set Crew for the Musical, helped make everything come alive. (Photo’s used with permission from Kelli Kilmer)

The cast for the musical work together to bring magic to the audience. (Photo's used with permission from Kelli Kilmer)

Interviewing Kelli Kilmer

Question 1: What do you find most rewarding about leading Sartell’s theatre department?

Question 2: During the preparation for Seussical, what has been the most memorable or meaningful part of the process for you as a director?

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We just had our first school matinee on Wednesday for the Kindergarteners. Hearing their reaction to the show absolutely warmed my heart. Seussical is a little different from the other musicals we’ve performed because it is intended to appeal to all ages – especially children. The cast and crew have put a lot of work into creating the playfulness and whimsy of the show and to see the Kindergarteners’ delight in watching it made all of the hard work absolutely worth it. As the director, there is always an added element to every show for me when I step back and remember where we started and see how far we’ve come. I’m incredibly proud of the entire cast and crew for all of the work they put into this show.

Question 3: If Seussical were real life, which character would you be and why?

Question 4: What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that’s happened during rehearsals?

The cast for the musical work together to bring magic to the audience. (Photo’s used with permission from Kelli Kilmer)

The Sartell Theatre Department shared a sneak peek of the musical with the community on their Instagram page. (Photo's used with permission from Kelli Kilmer)

Interviewing Paisley Watson

Question 1: What do you enjoy most about being part of Sartell’s Theatre Department?

Question 2: Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines that help you get into character or calm your nerves?

Question 3: If Seussical were real life, which character would you be and why?

Question 4: What’s your go-to coffee (or snack) during tech week survival mode?

The Sartell Theatre Department shared a sneak peek of the musical with the community on their Instagram page. (Photo’s used with permission from Kelli Kilmer)

The full cast of Seussical takes a final bow after bringing the colorful world of Dr. Seuss to life. (Photo’s used with permission from Kelli Kilmer)

The full cast of Seussical took a well-deserved final bow, marking the end of a truly magical performance that brought the colorful, whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life. Every actor, singer, and crew member poured their heart into creating a vibrant and unforgettable experience for the audience, and it showed in every scene, song, and smile. Congratulations to the incredibly talented Sartell Theatre Department for yet another outstanding production! Their creativity, energy, and passion lit up the stage, leaving everyone in awe, and counting down the days until their return to delight audiences again, this time with the upcoming production of The Drowsy Chaperone next year. Until then, congratulations on a job spectacularly done!

About the Contributor

Emily Schlangen, Junior Journalist

Favorite Book: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens Car Name: Martha Hobbies: Hanging out with friends, reading, and volunteering! Favorite Season: Fall Favorite Drink: Iced Upside Down Caramel Macchiato

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Seussical The Musical is a box office hit!

Question 1: What do you find most rewarding about leading Sartell’s theatre department?

Question 2: During the preparation for Seussical, what has been the most memorable or meaningful part of the process for you as a director?

Question 3: If Seussical were real life, which character would you be and why?

Question 4: What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that’s happened during rehearsals?

Question 1: What do you enjoy most about being part of Sartell’s Theatre Department?

Question 2: Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines that help you get into character or calm your nerves?

Question 3: If Seussical were real life, which character would you be and why?

Question 4: What’s your go-to coffee (or snack) during tech week survival mode?