KAYSVILLE—Kids at Kaysville Elementary are singing their way through the musical “Seussical Jr.” featuring all of the beloved characters from the Dr. Suess classic tale of Horton the Elephant who finds a speck of dust that contains a little town called Whoville and his attempt to save them against all odds. This is the first musical the school has put on and so far everyone is having a blast.

“We went to the principal and asked if we could do a play,” said PTA President Elect Rebecca Pugmire. “She really wants to improve the arts and she was excited about doing a school play.”

It costs close to $2,000 to purchase the musical and the rights to the show. “It takes lots of money to put on a play,” she said. “We did a jog-a-thon to raise money.”

Pugmire said she was shocked at the turn out. “Eighty-nine kids signed up. We’ve had huge support. It’s been phenomenal how the parents are supporting the kids. One of the parents got a team together to do costumes and we have a stage dad and tons of volunteers.”

“I grew up doing musical theater,” said parent volunteer Kennedy Hansen. “The school has never done one so I wanted to let the kids have a chance.”

It’s taken lots of hours, she said. “It’s our first time doing it so there’s been lots of learning involved but we’ve worked together. Two of the teachers volunteered their time and put in extra hours.”

There are 80 kids in the play, said Hansen. “It’s fun to see how excited the kids are when they get their moment on stage. They just light up.”

Fifth-grader Macy Moyes, who plays JoJo, has performed on stage in several other musicals but this is the first school production. “I love it,” she said. “It’s awesome and a little stressful but I’ve made new friends. I’m so excited to perform.”

“It’s fun to perform with new people and learn new things,” said fourth-grader Cole Stratford who plays Horton. “It’s been really fun.”

“I love singing and dancing and meeting new people,” said fifth-grader Afton Pruneda, who plays the Cat in the Hat. “I get tired rehearsing but it’s really fun and worth it when we do the play.”

The musical is made up of students from first grade through sixth grade, said Pugmire. “We didn’t think first graders could do it but they have. We have fifth and sixth graders who are stage crew.”

This has just been a wonderful experience, she said. “The kids are in heaven. I can’t wait to see the excitement on their faces when they perform it. They’re just loving it.”

Seussical Jr. plays tonight, March 3 from 7-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 4 from 2-2:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. Concessions will also be available. Kaysville Elementary is located at 50 N. 100 East, Kaysville.