Over 50 of the most talented young people in the Mesquite area are on stage several days a week preparing to present Seussical Jr.

The production from the Broadway musical based on the writings of Dr. Seuss will be presented July 12-14 at 6:30 pm with a matinee on July 14 at 2 pm at the Mesquite Community Theatre.

Playing the part of Horton, the Elephant will be Jake Benell who has been featured on stage both with Missoula Children’s Theater productions, as well as with Mesquite Kids On Stage.

Many of the other parts have been double cast due to the high quality of talent of those trying out.

Playing the Cat in the Hat will be Madelyn Durbin and Hailey Bunker.

JoJo Who will be played by Matthew Covey and Jayson Brooks.

Todd Benell and Tyson Wilson will be The Mayor of Whoville and Mrs. Mayor will be Sara Rappleye and Whisper Saltzman.

The role of Mayzie will be portrayed by Kira Dalton and Emerald Hall and Gertrude by Taylor Marshall and

Alayna Guyser.

The part of the Sour Kangaroo will be sung by Brittany Brooks and Jaylee Whipple.

Yertle, the Turtle will be Katy Newman with Andrew Green and Samuel Funk as the Grinch and Wyatt Hillius as Vlad Vladikoff.

The Bird Girls will be Nikki Boatright, Areli Ponce, Autumn Boatright, Talia Hansen, Emily Conklin and Maggie Challinor.

The Wickersham Brothers who cause a great deal of trouble will be portrayed by Brendan Bunker, Takoda Scissons, Kaige Caswell and Gaven Julien.

Citizens of Whoville are Madison Julien, Emily Walsh, Brooke Helsten, Emma Wilson, Madison Marshall, Deslie Houston, Margaret Hafen, Kaitlynn Reber, Jaren Hafen, Elsa Whipple, Jaidaella Rich and Shayla Martinez.

Members of the Ensemble who will portray the Jungle Creatures, the Hunters, the Circus Performers and the Fish throughout the show are Alexis Boatright, Elise Dick, TaLauni Orison, Andi Rae Munford, Victoria Goodsell, and Krista Slack.

Assisting as student directors and technical crew are Mikian Musser, Estelle Hafen, Brooke Bennett, Danielle Wilson and Kathy Challinor.

Directing the show are Susan Bennett, Jenny Bennett, Pat Reber, Marilyn Cheney and Aleta Ruth assisted by members of the Mesquite Arts Council which is sponsoring the production.