Caption: The “Who” from Whoville practice their song for the production of Seussical, Jr. to be presented July 12-14,. They are (first row) Shayla Martinez, Madison Marshall, Brooke Helston, Jadaella Rich; (second row) Emily Walch, Margaret Hafen, Kaitlynn Reber; Andrew Green, Whisper Saltzman, Jayson Brooks (third row) Elsa Whipple, Madison Julien, Emma Wilson, Tyson Wilson, Todd Benell, Matthew Covey, and Sara Rappleye.

There is not much time left before the cast of Seussical, Jr. will be performing on the Mesquite Community Stage.

In fact, it will open next Thursday, July 12, at 6:30 pm. It will be repeated at 6:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, July 13-14; and also performed at 2 pm on Saturday.

When Horton, the Elephant played by Jake Benell, hears the almost silent voices of the Whos on “the smallest planet in the universe,” he knows he has to save them.

There is the Mayor of Who being played by Todd Benell and Tyson Wilson; the Mayor’s wife played by Sara Rappleye and Whisper Saltzman: and JoJo, their son, by Matthew Covey and Jayson Brooks.

Other Whos who have to be saved are Madison Julien, Emily Walsh, Brooke Helsten, Emma Wilson, Madison Marshall, Deslie Houston, Margaret Hafen, Kaitlynn Reber, Elsa Whipple, Jaidaella Rich and Shayla Martinez.

The Grinch is there also in Whoville, but he has changed into the good Grinch by this point. He will be

played by Andrew Green.

Meanwhile, most of the animals in the Jungle of Nool don’t believe that the Whos exist and want the clover they are on destroyed.

It is not that they are evil; they are just gullible and listen to the few who are out to destroy the clover and Horton’s reputation.

Playing the evil Vlad Vladikoff who tries to destroy the city of Whoville is Wyatt Hillius.

The animals are Alexis Boatright who plays the Panther; Elise Dick is the Creature; Andi Rae Munford is the DoDo; and Victoria Goodsell is the Bear.

Playing the Tigers will be Krista Slack and TaLauni Orison; Tyler Clem will be the lovable Rat; and Katy Newman, the Monkey.

The animals will join the rest of the ensemble to be fish in McGilligan’s Pool. And then they return as members of the circus.

When the final trial for Horton comes, the Judge will be Yertle, the Turtle, played by Katy Newman.

Some of the leading roles have been double cast. The “White” Cast will perform on Thursday and Saturday at 6:30 pm. The “Red” cast will perform Friday at 6:30 pm and Saturday at 2 pm.

If you have a preference as to whom you wish to see, a list of each cast will be placed at the box office. Better still, you may have to attend twice so you won’t miss any of the talent.

All the seats are reserved, and tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for youth. The MCT Box Office will be open from 4 to 7 pm on Thursdays and Fridays and from 9 am to noon on Saturdays.