By Geoffrey Wertime, Staff Writer
FLORENCE — Parents can expect rolling, rhyming, acting and alliteration at the Riverfront School’s presentation of “Seussical” this week.
The show, a musical based on the works of famed author Dr. Seuss, will feature singing, gymnastics, and a number of other student talents, according to director and music and drama teacher Lisa Jones.
“The audience can expect to laugh a lot,” she said. “It’s a very visual show—there’s lots of color and lots of costumes.
“Pretty much the whole show is sung,” she continued. “It’s a really fun show, so I think they’re going to enjoy it very much.”
The musical features 52 students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade, as well as about a dozen students doing stage crew and otherwise assisting in the production, Ms. Jones said.
The cast members had to audition in front of her and several other teachers, which she called “a big daunting task” for a middle school student.
Signing on was a big commitment — practices began in late January, and continued after school, on some weekends, and even during spring break last week.
“They’re very responsive to my direction, and I think they’re trying to do their very best,” Ms. Jones said of her cast. “They’re learning what they need to do, and right now they’re starting to take on their characters.
“They’re transforming themselves from middle school students into Dr. Seuss characters.”
Parent volunteers also helped out, Ms. Jones added.
Performances will take place Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium, 500 East Front St. Admission is free thanks to a grant from the Florence Township Education Association, but donations to benefit a local family will be accepted at the door.
In years past, the money has gone to family with an ailing parent or child, Ms. Jones said, and last year the show raised over $600.
“It’s been a really wonderful thing for the students to see that their time has benefited somebody in the community,” she said.

