Several memorable characters created by Dr. Seuss including Horton the elephant, the Cat in the Hat and a cast of Whos will hit the stage soon when St. Mary Gostyn School in Downers Grove puts on the spring musical, “Seussical Jr.”

Richard Barker, production coordinator for the musical and music teacher at the school, said the students are not only participating in a “colorful” performance, but they also have the opportunity to take away some life lessons of their own.

“It’s this clever little play with this infectious music,” Barker said.

There are about 75 students ranging from fifth to eighth grade involved in the musical, which will take place at Montini Catholic High School in Lombard.

“It’s amazing how fast they learn and how dedicated they are,” Barker said. “It’s a really positive atmosphere.”

“Seussical Jr.” brings together a variety of famous characters from different books by Dr. Seuss. The musical is narrated by the Cat in the Hat character, performed by eighth-grader Chris Ullrich, who helps tell the story “Horton Hears a Who.”

The musical focuses on Horton, an elephant living in the Jungle of Nool, who protects a tiny speck of dust which he comes to learn holds the entire town of Whoville. He makes it his job to keep them all safe. However, Horton has a hard time convincing some other characters of the speck’s importance.

Danielle Aument, an eighth-grader at St. Mary, is playing the role of Gertrude McFuzz, Horton’s bird friend who sticks by his side.

Danielle said she participated in two previous shows at St. Mary.

“It was really fun and all my friends were doing it,” Danielle said.

Barker said all the student actors and crew have been working hard on the production for several weeks.

“St. Mary has a tradition of (putting on) very high level productions,” Barker said.