“A person’s a person, no matter how small.” That timeless Dr Seuss message will take centre stage this May when more than 70 Gippsland Grammar students from years seven to 12 bring the imaginative world of Seussical to life at the school’s Garnsey Campus.
One of the most frequently performed musicals in the world, Seussical is a colourful and uplifting production that celebrates imagination, friendship and believing in yourself.
The show brings together many of Dr Seuss’s most beloved characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie and Jojo, a young boy with a powerful imagination.
Created by Tony Award-winning writers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the musical transports audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the whimsical world of Whoville in a story filled with humour, heart and unforgettable songs.
Gippsland Grammar Teacher in Charge of Drama and Seussical Director Christina Kyriakou said the production features 75 students from years seven to 12 who have been rehearsing since term four last year.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing Seussical to life and to have the opportunity to work with such a talented and dedicated group of students from years seven–12, both on stage and behind the scenes,” Ms Kyriakou said.
“As we celebrate the joy of storytelling and collaboration, the message at the heart of the show reminds us that ‘a person’s a person, no matter how small’, a sentiment that truly resonates throughout our production.”
The production also reflects Gippsland Grammar’s strong Performing Arts culture, where many students first discover their love of music and performance in the School’s junior programs before continuing to develop their talents through Drama and Music opportunities at the Garnsey Campus.
Among the cast is year 12 Prefect and Music Captain Hudson Ray-Daminato, who will play the role of Horton the Elephant in what will be his final school production.
Hudson’s musical journey began in year three at the school’s Bairnsdale Campus as a member of the campus choir before being introduced to the drums in year five.
Since then, he has grown into one of the school’s most accomplished drummers and is a member of the school’s concert band, jazz band, contemporary band and schoir (school choir).
His passion for music also led him to the stage, and he has embraced every opportunity to perform in school productions including Around the World in 80 Days (2017) and The Wizard of Oz (2019) at the Bairnsdale Campus and Chicago (2022), Annie (2023) and Newsies (2025) at the Garnsey Campus.
He played drums in the pit for Catch Me If You Can (2024).
Seussical will be performed at Gippsland Grammar’s Garnsey Campus Hall, McGhee Street, Sale from Thursday, May 7 to Saturday, May 9.
