The Farmingdale High School Playcrafters are a group of talented, dedicated students who all share a passion for theatre. Since being established in 1976, the popular club has gained support from the community and performed musicals and straight shows to sold out houses each and every year. Unfortunately, the majority of audience members are family members and friends of the cast, lacking the support of the student body. Hopefully, that will change. This year’s fall production is “Seussical the Musical” and is set to open November 18th and close November 19th. As an avid member of the club, I can speak for the entire cast and crew when I say, come see this spectacular show.

Seussical is a lively, energetic musical written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. The musical is based off of popular children’s books by Dr. Seuss, and some famous, recognizable characters make appearances throughout the story. The Cat in the Hat, played by senior Tom Sclafani, causes chaos and encourages other characters and even the audience to use their imagination and think outside the box. Seussical is a show the whole family can enjoy, as well as high school students. The upbeat, catchy music will have you singing as you leave the theater! The colorful sets, costumes and makeup will impress even the most stubborn audience! But most of all, the overall message of the show, “A person’s a person, no matter how small,” will pull on your heartstrings and stay with you always.

The talented cast of over 60 students have worked hard under the direction of Jessica Mischke and new choreographer Eric Mischke. This is Ms. Mischke’s eighth show with the Farmingdale Playcrafters, and every year the shows just keep getting better and better! However, the actors are not the only members of Playcrafters working to put together an amazing show, the crew has put in a lot of time and energy to keep everything running smoothly. The production would not be complete without glittery, feathery costumes, dazzling sets and stunning makeup! The classic “truffula trees” from the world of Seuss make appearances throughout the show, and will transport the audience straight into the heart of Whoville or deep into the Jungle of Nool. Some of the various crews include costumes, set construction, props, painting, sound, lighting and hair/makeup. Head of hair/makeup crew, Melissa Viskoc works closely with the cast and directors to make sure every actor looks like their character and feels comfortable on stage. “Makeup is an important part of every show because it helps the audience recognize the character and the actors connect to their character they are portraying. Being the head of hair and makeup is an exciting and stressful job but it all pays off in the end! Come see Seussical you won’t regret it!”

So, why should you come see Seussical? Well, according to ensemble member Emily O’Flynn, “Seussical is a fun, energetic show to perform and entertaining to watch! This show is special because we get to transport the audience to the wacky world of Dr. Seuss and make them forget their troubles, even just for a little while!”

Farmingdale High School is incredibly fortunate to have an amazing theatre department that is available to all students. The program runs because of the support of the community and the positive feedback Playcrafters are getting every year after a show is staged. Seussical is show not to be missed, and it will certainly keep you entertained! If you are looking for a laugh, a heartfelt message, or to watch dazzling choreography- Seussical is the musical for you!

“Oh the places you’ll go and the people you’ll see, so why don’t you go see seussical with me!”