4-17-2026 10:43pm

Carlisle Chamberlain Jr. Drama Club To Present Seussical JR.

Beth Callahan Editor

Story and photos by Geraldine Baker

CARLISLE, OH -- The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos. Horton faces a double challenge. Not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

“Today you are YOU, that is truer than true, there is no one alive who is Youer that you “

Come enjoy Secussical Jr. performed by the Chamberlain Jr. Drama club May 1-3rd, 2026 at Carlisle Local Schools Theater.

The Cat in the Hat played by Natalie Osborne 8th Grade

Natalie has performed in 5 shows at Carlisle, After watching Seussical Jr., Natalie thought—I want that, part! She loved the goofy personality and the comedy and joy Cat In the Hat brought to the audience. Being a part of theater is a way of escape for the performer and the audience.

Shows Natalie would love to see come to Carlisle, Cinderella, Newsies and Fiddler on the Roof.

Horton played by Joseph Coelle Nauta 5th Grade

This is Joesph’s first show at Carlisle, and he said he and Horton are very much alike- Horton is shy, Joseph is shy. Hortons best friend is Jo Jo and Clover- Joseph said his favorite scene is when He and Jo Jo sing “Alone in the Universe”

Interesting fact--- Horton and the Cat In the Hat, never meet.

Shows Joseph would love to see come to Carlisle Shrek and Footloose.

Thing 1 played by Kenley Doles 5th Grade

Thing 2 played by Kendall Charleton 5th Grade

This pair of mischievous friends of Cat in the Hat are enjoying being in the show, these young ladies are NOT shy and love to express themselves. As Thing 1 and Thing 2, they want ALL the attention and love playing pranks. They are the LIFE of the party.

Sour Kangaroo played by Violet Hawkins 6th Grade

Sour Kangaroo is another level of Sassy- she loves to get her way and is self-centered. Sour Kangaroo and Horton, do not get along, because of Sour’s strong personality. Violet is enjoying being this sassy little character.

She hopes to continue in theater and would love to be in Annie or Moana

Mayzie played by Ellie Hooks 6th Grade

Mayzie is the Lead Bird in this production- she is really sassy and elegant- When Ellie heard about Seussical Jr was coming, she thought she might want to be Gertrude- she is a sweet self-conscious bird. BUT, getting Mayzie has been fun, pulling the sassy personality off

Ellie hopes to continue theater in Carlisle and would love to see Moana or The Little Mermaid here at Carlisle.

JO JO played by Aliya Lewis 5th Grade

Aliya is thrilled to be in Seussical Jr. and is having a great time as JO JO , she described JO JO as a free spirit, whimsical character with a huge imagination. The Cat in the Hat takes JO JO on a journey and helps her find her imagination again.

Aliya has performed at Lacomedia as a lullaby munchkin in Wizard of OZ. She would love if The Great Showman came to Carlisle, because of the unique personalities in the show.

Seussical Jr May 1-3rd, 2026

Carlisle Local Schools Theater 250 Jamaica Rd

Event tickets on Carlisle Local Schools Website- under Fine Arts – Carlisle Theatre