by Jamie Chase Galvin

On September 18, 19, 25 and 26, Sterling Community Theatre will present six performances of Seussical, The Musical in the parish hall of the First Church in Sterling, at 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road.

Seussical, The Musical is a story that brings together characters from some of Dr. Seuss’s most beloved stories, including The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who, Miss Gertrude McFuzz, and others,” says Liz Vestal, SCT’s volunteer fundraising and marketing coordinator. “Spectators will see the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community being challenged and emerging triumphant. It’s a wonderful show for the whole family.” Seussical, The Musical was written by composer Stephen Flaherty and lyricist Lynn Ahrens and has been popular on Broadway and in productions throughout the country since its debut in 2000.

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SCT’s production is the result of weeks of rehearsals and set building by over 40 volunteers from Sterling and surrounding communities, who gather several times each week during the summer. “Our cast and crew are all volunteers. In fact, actors pay a small participation fee to help offset the costs of the production,” says Vestal. “Sterling Community Theatre is a small non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of local businesses and individual donations along with our actors’ fees to ensure we operate and produce quality entertainment year after year.”

Since 1996, SCT has mounted and presented live performances of popular, family-oriented musicals. Their performances have become hugely popular and a staple of the fall calendar among residents of Sterling and surrounding towns.

“Each production takes hundreds of hours of work starting with the time our production team puts into planning and staging the show before rehearsals even begin,” says Vestal. “Our actors, many of whom work full time, have families, or attend school, still find time to rehearse two or three nights a week, in addition to practicing on their own to learn their songs, lines, and dances.”

Putting together a production on the magnitude of musicals that have been Broadway and award-winning hits requires work and dedication both on-stage and off. “Our actors, and their friends and family members help build our sets each year, in addition to volunteering their time to staff our concession stand and act as ticket agents and ushers. It costs thousands of dollars to produce a live theatrical show each year and we simply wouldn’t be able to do what we do without people giving so generously of their time and talents.”

Preparation for the upcoming production began with auditions in June, with potential cast members showcasing a short song and dance selection. “The production team which includes the director, music director and choreographer, watch every audition, then debate and assign roles,” says Vestal. “Depending on the number of people auditioning, there may not be a role for everyone, but the production team works hard to ensure that those cast, from the lead to the ensemble, are the best possible fit for each role.”

For information about helping to support SCT, visit sterlingtheatre.com.

Performances are September 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. matinee on September 19 and 26. Tickets are $17 for adults, and $13 for children under 12 and seniors 65+, and are available online at sterlingtheatre.com or at the door.