“We rotated students between parts to focus on acting ability,” O’Neill said. “We then taught a dance combination to see how well they would be able to keep up.”

“Seussical” includes characters and settings from many of Dr. Seuss’ most famous books, including “Horton Hears a Who,” “The Lorax,” “The Sneetches,” “Green Eggs and Ham” and the “Cat in the Hat.”

“I love how the show is very funny and sarcastic with enough intelligence to make it go over people’s heads,” said seventh-grader John Mauro, who plays the lead character, the Cat in the Hat.

Mauro said he has always had an interest in performing and has been on stage since kindergarten. He has charisma on stage, and O’Neill said you can see that it is his dream and passion to be a star on Broadway.

“The most challenging part of performing is taking a different character in front of a crowd,” Mauro said. “You have to be able to deal with criticism and trust your talent.”

O’Neill said it takes a special personality to get up and perform in front of people, be it fellow classmates or friends and family.

“I am so amazed at all their accomplishments and courage every day I watch the in action,” she said. “This is such a stepping stone for all of them, and I hope they continue to act and perform in high school.”

O’Neill herself has been performing in plays since her senior year in high school. She minored in theater at SUNY Albany, and while there, she learned her favorite type of performance is improvisational comedy.