Mount Vernon’s Junior Thespian troupe will be presenting its first ever show with “Suessical Jr.” Saturday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. Tickets for the show at the Mount Vernon District Auditorium are $10 each and available at the door or at mvhstheatre.ludus.com.

Director Kristin Anderson said the idea for doing a musical for middle school students has been something in the work for years.

“It’s kind of one of those missing bridge pieces for our department,” Anderson said. “We have the fifth grade musical every year, but for students who are interested in acting, there was just this gap from middle school to high school. It just felt like time to give students that opportunity.”

With 47 in the cast and crew, Anderson said that is probably the biggest challenge of the show – getting time in these students busy schedules for rehearsals.

“They have done really well, however,” Anderson said. “Because it’s mostly music in this musical, they were off book weeks ago, knowing their songs, and every practice they keep getting better.”

Ronnie Yeater, who plays JoJo of Whoville in the production, said she wanted to audition because she really loves theater.

“I get to be up here in so many scenes,” Yeater said.

Nellie Johnson plays the role of Gertrude McFuzz in the show.

“I just love dance and theater, and this was a way to do both,” Johnson said.

Her favorite part of the role is being on stage with so many of her friends and classmates every day.

The hardest part is the vocal range for her character. She’s used to singing alto, and some of the notes for McFuzz are in the soprano range.

Claire Anne Elloren plays the role of Cat in the Hat in the show, one of the first shows she’s been a part of.

“I thought it would be a great chance to help me improve my singing,” Elloren said.

The biggest challenge as the Cat in the Hat, the mischievous role, has to be keeping track of the random lines and appearances the character has throughout the show.

“Everyone in this show is amazing,” Elloren said. “Their voices are great and it’s got so many great scenes.”

“It’s a really fun show,” Yeater said. “We’ve really worked hard on this show.”

“It’s a show with a lot of laughs,” Johnson said. “It’s got something in it for all ages.”

“The kids are doing such a wonderful job,” Anderson said. “It’s a fun show that has something for all ages.”