On the evening of May 14th, North 5th Street hosted a cast of favorite characters created by Theodor Seuss Geisel, more familiarly known as Dr. Seuss. Bird girls, the citizens of Whoville, Gertrude McFuz, Yertle the Turtle, etc. paraded and sung across the stage at MS 577 and PS 17 to the delight of their audience. This production produced by School Settlement Association, St. Nicks Alliance, Williamsburg Movement and Arts Center (WMAAC), and MS 577 & PS 17 was a labor of fun and worthwhile effort.
Seussical Jr is the first production that combines the talents of both schools MS 577 and PS 17, which share a building. Ivelise Arroyo, after-school site director for School Settlement said, “We decided it would be a good idea to collaborate on this show. We opened up auditions to all 5th graders. We found some amazing talent! Making the decision to invite PS17 students to audition worked extremely well. When we did our Friday show for the students in that building, it was a great feeling to see both schools combined in the auditorium cheering these wonderful “actors” on. We are looking forward to continuing this collaboration next year!” WMAAC worked directly with the kids on the production and Ivelise’s role was to give support and encouragement when needed in addition to helping with the auditions and giving feedback.
The animated performances conveyed cheer to the audience. “Words can’t even begin to describe how my heart is overflowing with pride for these kids on their opening night of Seussical, Jr!! Unlike anything else!” stated the Director of the show, Meghan Ginley (from the Williamsburg Movement and Arts Center).
The Greenline 