“It’s our third year of community theater jr. and it grows every year,” said director Samarah Forster.

Seventy-two kids from grades 2-9 come form Sleepy Eye Public School, Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s, Springfield, New Ulm Public School, and New Ulm Area Catholic School.The musical comedy is inspired by many of the children’s stories of Dr. Suess. Most of the plot is based on Horton Hears a Who!, Gertrude McFuzz, and Horton Hatches the Egg. Many other stories are incorporated.

The show weaves a story of friendship, loyalty, and love. It teaches the power of being unique and the importance of fighting for your beliefs.

The cast includes Josie Pelzel as Jojo, Randee Dombek as Cat in the Hat, Levi Johnson as Horton, Declan Johnson as Mr. Mayor, Elsie Weicherding as Mrs. Mayor, Jozie Pingeon as Gertrude, Arianna Guerra as Mayzie, Katelyn Whittington as Grinch/jungle creature, Ezri Mathiowetz as Sour Kangeroo, Paisley Pelzel as Young Kangeroo, Everly Jensen as Yertle/jungle creature, Hendrix Nilson as Vlad/jungle creature, and others.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Brennan Severson, front, performs with a number of Seussical Jr., the Musical cast members. The musical will be performed Aug. 1-2 in the Sleepy Eye High School auditorium.

Several cast members talked about what they like about the musical.

“I love the wonderful cast. Everyone is so supportive, helping us get through it. The songs are so catchy,” said Jozie Pingeon of Springfield.

“It’s fun to do. I like the cast,” said Paisley Pelzel of Sleepy Eye.

“Everybody gets involved a lot and is nice to each other,” said Declan Johnson of Springfield.

“I like the big group numbers that allow everybody to get on stage,” said Levi Johnson of Springfield.

“The cast, everyone is nice to each other.

Forster said the cast has had all summer to prepare since auditions began at the end of the school year.

Performances are 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1 and 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2.

“Reserved tickets are going fast. We’ve sold nearly 250 for opening night. They can be bought by following Sleepy Eye Community Theater on Facebook,” she said.