Amherst PTA to Put on 'Seussical'

Editor's note: The following was submitted by Jacqueline Shima O'Dowd, the co-producer of the Amherst Parents and Teachers Organization's production of "Seussical":

The Amherst PTA's 62nd Annual Production is underway! After a week of auditions, extensive callbacks, and difficult decisions, the final cast list was posted Saturday, Jan. 11 and the first rehearsal took place on Jan. 12 at Clark School in Amherst. 

Each year the PTA calls on local residents, teachers, students, and would-be thespians for their annual production and biggest fundraiser. This year the show is "Seussical - the Musical" based on the beloved Dr. Seuss characters and books. 

As a perfect compliment to this show, director Robin LaCroix will be organizing a book drive to help under-privileged youth. LaCroix is no stranger to the Amherst PTA, having directed several past productions including "The King and I" in 2006 and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in 2008. 

Robin is currently Director of Theatre Arts at the Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley in Milford. The rest of the production team includes Karen Ostrowski  Assistant Director, Liz Calabria Choreography, Kim Whitehead Musical Director and Jackie O'Dowd and Rita Piotrowski Co-Producers. 

Amherst is well known for quality community theatre in southern New Hampshire, garnering many New Hampshire Theatre Award nominations.  Last year's PTA Production of Meet Me in St. Louis is up for 5 awards including the prestigious 'Best Musical Production'. 

The cast has also been invited to perform the beloved "Trolley Song" at the awards ceremony on January 25th in Pinkerton, NH.  This year's production of Seussical will be performed at the Souhegan High School Theatre April 10 to April 13.