Seussical, a Smashing Success!

Grace Elementary Musical Theater Workshop delighted audiences in Seussical the Musical, a heartwarming story of friendship, loyalty, and love. Please enjoy these thoughtful and moving Director's Notes from Program Director, Jennifer Carter.

"Thank you for coming to our production of Seussical. This is a beautiful story of friendship. I have many friendships in my life but by far my favorite one is my best friend Debbie. She was like an older sister. Both she and I had brothers, but what we always  wanted was a sister. Through the years, we became that for each other. She was always there for me and we had the best times with each other. We would go TP-ing at all hours of the night, at church one time, we slid down a waterslide fully clothed as our children’s group cheered for us, and by far my favorite, we would sing at the top of our lungs on all of our road trips together. She stood by my side when I got married. She was the best friend anyone could ask for. When she was diagnosed with cancer, it was the most devastating blow imaginable - but not for Debbie. She endured her trials with a smile on her face, and she kept singing at the top of her lungs, until she passed in 2016. What I have really loved about directing this show is that Seussical has reminded me of all the things a friend should be.  This story is such a fun one - and it brings back so many good memories for me.. Horton is such a sweet and delightful friend who cares for people big or small. She is a friend we would all want to have. She is loyal and wants people to like her. Debbie was my Horton, and I am so thankful that this show has brought back so many memories of her friendship. 

Teaching our students to love and care for each other has been so rewarding during this production. We pray for each other, we work together, and I have watched these young people lift each other up during the hard days of rehearsal, and the silly times where we were all laughing uncontrollably. 

I love the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” for many reasons, but I have really thought about the lyrics of that old standard in a new way these past few weeks. “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear, what a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer.” I have lifted these students up in prayer every day of this production, and I am so blessed to be able to work with them. Thank you to each parent who sacrificed time and resources to allow your children to be in this production. It has been such a joy to be with them this fall."