Seussical JR. brings beloved characters together in unforgettable musical

Special to Leader-Press 

Copperas Cove students and staff come together to present a weekend of family entertainment center stage at Vive Les Arts in Killeen, with Seussical JR. tonight through Sunday. 
Copperas Cove High School choir teacher Ginger Thompson serves as the musical director with songs the audience is certain to recognize including Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!, Horton Hears a Who, It’s Possible, and more. CCHS teacher Cameron Dinkens is the production assistant keeping track of the scenes in the award-winning musical. 
CCHS freshman Parker Reed fulfills the role of the Cat in the Hat. No stranger to the VLA stage, Reed has had leading roles in multiple productions including Annie, Dora’s Pirate Adventure, Freckle Face Strawberry and many, many Missoula Children’s productions.
“Cat In The Hat is just so eccentric,” Reed said. “It’s just so great that I get to show off any emotion and that I can do whatever I want and it basically goes with the character.”
Burrell said Reed realistically could have had the role of her choosing in the production based on her audition. 
“I love Parker Reed. She is super flexible, she’s a great improvisor.  Her comedic timing is just insane,” said Anna Burrell who is directing the production. “She walked into her audition and it was, ‘Seriously, what part do you want?’ kind of deal.”
As the Cat in the Hat, Reed narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, a favorite Dr. Seuss character, who discovers tiny people calling themselves the Whos on a speck of dust and must protect them. He must also protect an egg left behind by Mayzie LaBird, another memorable Dr. Seuss character. The different story lines are favorite Dr. Seuss classics. 
Although the cast is made up largely of children, Thompson said the production is top-notch. 
“Even though it’s a junior or a children’s musical, it’s…quality.  It’s as good as an adult production,” Thompson said. “I think it’s going to surprise and be a good experience for everybody.”