Getrude McFuzz (Claire Howard), right, attempts to get Horton the Elephant's (Jack Peyton) attention while he searches for the Whos. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

PARKERSBURG – The Actors Guild of Parkersburg will bring the colorful world of “Seussical the Musical” to the stage this weekend, opening a production that blends childhood nostalgia with themes aimed at audiences of all ages.

Directed by Josh Woodard, the musical draws primarily from “Horton Hears a Who!” and “Horton Hatches the Egg,” while weaving in elements from nearly 20 other stories by Dr. Seuss. Woodard said the show goes beyond its whimsical appearance.

“It’s kind of sprinkled with a lot of different character references,” Woodard said. “But it really focuses on taking care of people who can’t necessarily take care of themselves and how you treat the most vulnerable in your society.”

Woodard said the production has been more than a year in the making, beginning with early set and costume designs and growing into a full-scale performance supported by a large team.

“It’s been very nostalgic,” he said. “Most of us learned to read with Dr. Seuss, so being able to revisit a lot of these stories has been a great experience.”

From left, Jojo (Frankie Small) listens as The Cat in the Hat (Eli Tracewell) adds him in as a character to the story of "Seussical the Musical" at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg, Wednesday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

The show features a cast of 29 performers, along with assistant directors and crew members working behind the scenes. Managing schedules proved to be one of the biggest challenges, Woodard said, noting the realities of community theater where cast members balance jobs, school and other commitments.

Despite those hurdles, he described the group as collaborative and dedicated.

“When you have a good group of people to work with, it makes it easy,” he said.

Cast members echoed that sentiment, citing both the show’s message and the experience of working together as highlights.

“I love the moral lessons of Dr. Seuss,” said Eli Tracewell, starring as the Cat in the Hat. “There’s this facade of silliness and absurdity, but it really gets to the heart of important topics that are relevant right now.”

From left, The Cat in the Hat (Eli Tracewell) plays the piano and sings alongside Mayzie LaBird (Brianna Carson) in "Seussical the Musical". (Photo by Gwen Sour)

For one young cast member, Frankie Small, who plays Jojo, the production marks a first step onto the stage.

“This is my first ever show,” said Small. “I’ve always loved Dr. Seuss books, and I’ve always wanted to be in a Dr. Seuss book.”

Other cast members pointed to the production’s playful tone and strong sense of collaboration.

“I really like how cartoony everything is,” said Jack Peyton, who plays Horton the Elephant. “I love being a cartoon character all the time, even though Horton is a little more serious and more emotional.”

“We all just have so much fun on stage,” said Claire Howard, who is playing Gertrude McFuzz, Horton’s love interest. “There’s no stress — it’s all just fun.”

From left, Mrs. Mayor (Barbara Full) and Mr. Mayor (Jeff Wilson) introduce the Whos of Whoville in "Seussical the Musical" at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

The production also carries personal significance for some performers, including those returning to Parkersburg or following in family footsteps tied to earlier productions of the show.

Woodard said one of the biggest misconceptions about the musical is that it is only for children.

“Kids will love it because they love Dr. Seuss,” he said. “But there’s a lot in there for adults too.”

With elaborate sets, detailed costumes and a wide range of references — including a nod to an early 1950s live-action project connected to Dr. Seuss — Woodard said the production reflects a “labor of love” from the entire cast and crew.

“I just hope people see the work that’s gone into it,” he said.

The Cat in the Hat (Eli Tracewell), center, gives an influencer-style news report on the discovery of the Whos in the Actors Guild of Parkersburg's production of "Seussical the Musical". (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Performances are scheduled for today and Saturday, as well as May 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees Sunday and May 3 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.actors-guild.com/buy-tickets.

Horton the Elephant (Jack Peyton), above, listens as the Whos from Whoville ask for his help during Wendesday's rehearsal for the Actors Guild of Parkersburg's production of "Seussical the Musical". (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Frankie Small who plays Jojo performs "Alone in the Universe" from Seussical the Musical" Wednesday at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Horton the Elephant (Jack Peyton), center, discovers the planet Who and settles it on a clover to keep it safe in the Actors Guild of Parkersburg's production of "Seussical the Musical". (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Gertrude McFuzz (Claire Howard) performs "The One Feather Tail of Miss Gertrude McFuzz" in the Actors Guild of Parkersburg's production of "Seussical the Musical". (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Eli Tracewell (The Cat in the Hat) performs "How Lucky You Are" from "Seussical the Musical", Wednesday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)