2024-25 Season
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Nora Ephron once said, “When you read a book as a child, it becomes a part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does.” That is exactly the case with Dr. Seuss.
Most of us learned our first life lessons from reading children’s literature, whether it was board books about farm animal sounds, illustrated children’s Bibles depicting Noah’s Ark, or the magical world of Narnia. Seuss’ stories, with their bright primary colors, quirky trees, and sillylooking birds, contain profound truths that stay with us as we grow.
In SEUSSICAL JR., two significant lessons stand out. First, the power of imagination—something everyone has access to. We can create anything we want, good or bad, anytime. What a gift! Second, the simple yet profound statement: “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” What a powerful message to come from a bashful cartoon elephant!
That’s the beauty of children’s books. Beneath their whimsy lies emotional truth. Our production embraces Seuss’ literature with bold colors, oversized characters, and a heightened sense of play. Yet, every exaggerated movement, every splash of color, and every playful moment is rooted in something real. Visually and physically, this show thrives in a highly stylized yet deeply honest world—just as Seuss’ stories always have.
Sophia McCann, Director
April 5 | 2:00pm
Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Music by Stephen Flaherty Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty and Eric Idle
Based on the works of Dr. Seuss Music Supervised, Adapted, and Produced by Bryan Louiselle
STAGE MANAGER SOPHIA MORAIS
COSTUME DESIGN KATHY RISK HAIR, WIG & MAKEUP DESIGN GRACE EUERLE (’18)
SCENIC DESIGN & TECHNICAL DIRECTOR JUSTIN McPHERSON (’07)
ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR KEATON MILLER (’17)
PRODUCER MYRA KAELIN (’94)
LIGHTING DESIGN SHASHVAT TYAGI
LEAD USHER ANVI GOEL
COSTUME ASSISTANT BAILEY COFFEE* PRODUCTION ASSISTANT & HOUSE MANAGER REBEKAH RISK (’18)
STUDENT HOUSE MANAGERS CAMILLE BAHAM & LONNI ADAMS
SOUND BOARD OPERATOR JACOB THOMAS
GRAPHIC DESIGN JILL CARLSON
RUNNING CREW LOGAN ABREAU CAMPEN, EMMA HANNA, CADEN MALINOWSKI, INIKA MUKHERJEE, SOPHIA NAMEK, ISABELLA NGUYEN, EMILY RANK, ALLISON ZHONG
VOCAL DIRECTOR BRITT GUNTER CHOREOGRAPHER SHEILA HITCHENS
DIRECTED BY SOPHIA McCANN (’15)
*Conservatory Honors Fellow PROPERTIES SOPHIA MORAIS SOUND ENGINEER ROBERT RUBINO
SEUSSICAL JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT I
Overture CAT, JOJO
Oh, The Thinks You Can Think! COMPANY
Horton Hears A Who
Biggest Blame Fool
CAT, HORTON, JOJO, MR. MAYOR, BIRD GIRLS, GERTRUDE, MAYZIE, SOUR KANGAROO, YOUNG KANGAROO, WICKERSHAMS
CAT, HORTON, JOJO, MR. MAYOR, BIRD GIRLS, GERTRUDE, MAYZIE, SOUR KANGAROO, YOUNG KANGAROO, WICKERSHAMS
Here On Who.................................................................................................. MR. MAYOR, MRS. MAYOR, JOJO, HORTON, WHO FAMILIES, THE GRINCH
How To Raise A Child CAT, JOJO, MR. MAYOR, MRS. MAYOR
Oh, The Thinks You Can Think! (Reprise) JOJO, CAT
It’s Possible JOJO, CAT, FISH, MR. MAYOR, MRS. MAYOR
Alone In The Universe........................................................................................................................... ...............HORTON, JOJO
The One Feather Tail Of Miss Gertrude McFuzz/Amayzing Mayzie.......................... ............... GERTRUDE, MAYZIE, BIRD GIRLS, CAT
Amayzing Gertrude GERTRUDE, CAT, BIRD GIRLS
Monkey Around/Chasing the Whos CAT, WICKERSHAMS, HORTON, SOUR KANGAROO, YOUNG KANGAROO, BIRD GIRLS, VLAD VLADIKOFF
ACT II
Notice Me, Horton .......................... ............... GERTRUDE, HORTON
How Lucky You Are................................................................................................................................ MAYZIE, CAT, HORTON
Mayzie’s Exit/Horton Sits On The Egg/Dilemma/Hunters........................................ .................................... BIRD GIRLS, HORTON, HUNTERS, WICKERSHAMS, GERTRUDE
Egg, Nest, And Tree CAT, SOUR KANGAROO, YOUNG KANGAROO, HORTON, WICKERSHAMS, BIRD GIRLS, HUNTERS
Sold/Mayzie In Palm Beach .............................................. MAYZIE, HORTON, CAT
Mayzie At The Circus ................................. ........................................ MAYZIE, HORTON, CIRCUS
Amayzing Horton............................................................................................................................HORTON, MAYZIE, CIRCUS
Alone In The Universe (Reprise 1)................................................................................................................................. HORTON
Solla Sollew HORTON, CIRCUS, JOJO, MR. MAYOR, MRS. MAYOR
Gertrude/Espionage ............................................................ GERTRUDE, HORTON
All For You ................................................................GERTRUDE, HORTON, CAT, BIRD GIRLS
The Whos Return/The People Versus Horton The Elephant ................................COMPANY Yopp! COMPANY
Alone In The Universe (Reprise 2) .................................................................... COMPANY
Oh, The Thinks You Can Think! (Finale) .................................................. COMPANY
CAST
Boy/JoJo..............................................................................................................................WILL GUNTER
The Cat in the Hat.........................................................................................................SARAH VINOTH
Horton the Elephant......................................................................................... ANJALI PRABHAKAR
Mr. Mayor..................................................................................................................MATTHEW SIENICKI
Mrs. Mayor.......................................................................................................................CHLOE NYBERG
Gertrude McFuzz....................................................................................................... NOELLE KRAVER
Mayzie La Bird....................................................................................................................ELLE STUDER
Wickershams.................................................................... KAELA CHANG, AUDREY MCDONALD, HALEY SUE, LANDON TSANG, ANNI WU
Bird Girls.......................................................................... MIRA CHAKRAVARTHY, LILA FURTADO, AVIANNA NAZZAL, CAMRYN SAWKINS, AVA THOMPSON
Sour Kangaroo............................................................................................ GWENDOLYN GRIFFITHS
Young Kangaroo.......................................................................................................MCKAYLA CHITTY
Judge Yertle the Turtle............................................................................................................ ANNI WU
Vlad Vladikoff...................................................................................................................VEDUR VERMA
The Grinch.......................................................................................................... ROBBIE MCLAUGHLIN
First Who Family...................................... INDIANA BASANESE, AVNI KUMAR, KATE MEYER
Second Who Family....................................................................AUDREY BORDERS, JIAYIN YAO
Third Who Family....................................MILEY LIAO, ADDISON MORROW, CHELSEY PARK
Fish...............................INDIANA BASANESE, AUDREY BORDERS, MIRA CHAKRAVARTHY, KAELA CHANG, MCKAYLA CHITTY, LILA FURTADO, GWENDOLYN GRIFFITHS, AVNI KUMAR, MILEY LIAO, AUDREY MCDONALD, KATE MEYER, ADDISON MORROW, AVIANNA NAZZAL, CHELSEY PARK, CAMRYN SAWKINS, HALEY SUE, AVA THOMPSON, LANDON TSANG, ANNI WU, JIAYIN YAO
Hunters........................................................................................AUDREY BORDERS, AVNI KUMAR, KATE MEYER, ADDISON MORROW
Circus....................................KAELA CHANG, MCKAYLA CHITTY, GWENDOLYN GRIFFITHS, AUDREY MCDONALD, HALEY SUE, LANDON TSANG, ANNI WU
BIOGRAPHIES
DIRECTOR
SOPHIA McCANN
Sophia proudly attended Valley Christian High School and went on to pursue a BFA in Acting at Azusa Pacific University. After hearing from the Lord it was time to move back to the Bay Area, Sophia transferred to San José State University, where she graduated with a BA in Theatre Arts, Magna Cum Laude. Sophia feels fulfilled and grateful for the opportunity to coach and support young actors. She loves guiding them in their artistic growth and teaching them how to glorify God with their gifts and talents.
Sheila Donovan Hitchens has been dancing for as long as she can remember. She graduated from Ball State University in Indiana and the University of Miami in Florida with an MFA in musical theatre. Sheila is a proud member of the Actors Equity Association (AEA). Her favorite shows to work on include: Aida, Anything Goes, Chicago, My One & Only, Singin’ in the Rain, and South Pacific. Sheila met her backstage/techie husband, Hugh, doing 42nd Street in Miami Beach. Love to him, daughter Grace (and Relly) with adorable baby James—welcome to the world! And above all, the deepest gratitude to God for His unfailing love.
A NOTE TO OUR PATRONS
Here at Valley Christian Theatre (VCT), we believe it is vital for our students to know they can be unapologetically Christian in the Arts; their artistic gifts are God-given, after all. Further, it is equally important to us that our students leave our program well-prepared to face a non-Christian world as Christians in the Arts. This includes learning to use their own Christian perspective to address worldly themes and the fallen nature of humanity, much like they do in their other academic studies. Often, it is when we confront these very themes that we turn towards Christ, humbling ourselves as we examine our own convictions, and seek wisdom; this is the gritty work that allows us to strengthen our faith (James 1:5-7).
Every VCT production, K-12, goes through a vetting process with several sets of theatrically experienced eyes on scripts before they are decided upon. We examine the scripts closely and decide as a team whether a show is a good choice for the Valley Christian School (VCS) stage. It is an extensive and timeconsuming process, and one we do not take lightly. Scripture tells us that we are all sinners (no matter how minimal or egregious we humans might deem the sin) and are saved only by grace (Romans 3:23-24). Invariably, we come across characters and situations that challenge our very human (and Christian) sensibilities. Please keep in mind that VCS does not condone these situations, characters, or lifestyles; rather, what you see on stage is a reflection of reality in our modern world and culture. It is in these moments that we pause, humble ourselves, and begin to look for clues of justice and redemption within the story. While not always overt, they nearly always exist.
As you enjoy tonight’s performance, if at any moment you find yourself triggered, we encourage you to pause, reflect, seek wisdom, and look for justice and redemption within this story. If you have questions, strong thoughts, or feelings you wish to express, please, reach out to us—we want to engage in a healthy, respectful, and godly dialogue with you. It is our true desire to give our students artistic opportunities that allow the light of Christ to shine through them so that they may ultimately glorify God through their art “at home and in their communities”—to “Do it heartily unto the Lord” (VCS Mission Statement). We strive to ensure that the Valley Christian theatre program embodies the VCS mission in all that we do.
Myra Kaelin, K-12 Director of Theatre Arts
Justin McPherson, K-12 Director of Technical Theatre
Sophia McCann, Junior High Theatre Director
SUMMER THEATRE CAMP
JUNE 10-27, 2025
for students entering 6 th -12 th grade
Summer Theatre 2025: Aladdin Jr.
Dates June 10-27 (Closed June 19) (Monday-Friday)
Time 9am-3pm
Cost $795
Grades
Entering Grades 6-12 (Co-Ed)
Location Valley Christian Schools 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Instructor Mrs. Myra Kaelin
Aladdin and his three friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, are down on their luck, until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. Wanting to earn the respect of the princess, Jasmine, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character. A “diamond in the rough,” Aladdin learns that his true worth lies deep within.
Join us for a three-week, full-day camp for students entering grades 6-12. Students will spend their days rehearsing vocals, choreography, and staging leading up to performances on June 26-27. Every student is guaranteed a role in the show! Join us for a summer filled with creativity, growth, and the magic of ALADDIN JR!
No camp on Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Performances on June 26-27 at 6pm. Camp hours may be adjusted on these two days to accommodate the performances.
Note: Camp fee includes a camp t-shirt. Students must bring snacks and a lunch from home. If you have questions, or if all spots are full when you go to register, please contact Rebekah Risk, rrisk@vcs.net, to be placed on a waitlist.
SUMMER THEATRE CAMP
JUNE 16-27, 2025
for students entering 3 rd -5 th grade
Summer Theatre 2025: LEAP DAY
Dates
June 16-27
(Closed June 19) (Monday-Friday)
Time 9am-12pm
Cost $495
Grades
Entering Grades 3-5 (Co-Ed)
Location Valley Christian Schools 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Instructor Mrs. Myra Kaelin
Inspired by the short story “The Days of the Week” by Hans Christian Andersen, LEAP DAY finds the Days of the Week have a day off and decide to celebrate with a huge party at the House of Father Time. However, this Leap Day, nothing goes as planned. Tuesday and Friday’s friendship is definitely not what it used to be, and the Days feel overworked, demanding an eighth day be added to the week. How will they find a resolution that values EVERYONE for who they are?
Join us for a two-week, half-day camp for students entering grades 3-5. These young actors will focus on learning lines, basic stage directions, introductory vocals, choreography, and stage movement, culminating with a performance of LEAP DAY on June 27 at 12pm. This year’s camp is not to be missed, and will give budding thespians great building blocks for their future at VCT.
No camp on Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Camp Showcase June 27 at 12pm
Note: Camp fee includes a camp t-shirt. Students are responsible for bringing their own snack. If you have questions, or if all spots are full when you go to register, please contact Rebekah Risk, rrisk@vcs.net, to be placed on a waitlist.
SUMMER STRINGS CAMP
SESSION ONE: JUNE 2-6, 2025
SESSION TWO: JUNE 9-13, 2025
for students entering 3 rd -12 th grade
Good Friends l Good Music l Good Memories
Dates
Session One: June 2-6
Session Two: June 9-13 (Monday-Friday)
Time 9am-12:30pm
Cost $275
Grades
Entering Grades 3-12 (Co-Ed)
Location Conservatory Building 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Instructors
Dr. Scott Homer
Mrs. Lily Homer
Strings Camp is offered for violin, viola, cello and double bass students. All levels are accepted. Campers will receive musical instruction, learn music theory, experience music technology, and gain leadership skills. Our goal is to make music and have fun with friends.
Note: Snacks will be provided. Sessions may be repeated.
SUMMER DANCE CAMP
Vivid 2 - The Dance Team Experience
Dates
June 9-20 (Closed June 19) (Monday-Friday)
Time 1pm-4pm
Cost $400
Grades
Entering Grades 1-8 (Co-Ed)
Location
High School Dance Studio 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Coaches
Mrs. Colette Evans
Miss Megan Stagi
Vivid Dance Team
Sponsored and facilitated by the members of Valley Christian’s Vivid Dance Team, Vivid 2 introduces young dancers to the fast-paced and exciting world of competitive dance teams! Participants will learn cutting-edge routines, develop team spirit, and have a fantastic time while enhancing their performance skills and dance techniques. The camp will culminate in a dynamic performance showcasing the combinations and techniques learned over the two weeks. Join us and be a part of our nationally-ranked team! Let’s dance!
There will be no camp on Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
The camp performance takes place Friday, June 20 at 3pm in the VCHS Theatre.
Note: The fee includes a dance team shirt, daily nutritious snacks, and performance expenses. Students will need to provide jazz shoes. Fees will go directly to support Vivid: Valley Christian’s award-winning competitive dance team. If you have any questions, please contact Colette Evans, cevans@vcs.net
SUMMER JUNIOR HIGH BAND CAMP
JUNE
2-6, 2025
for students entering 6 th -8 th grade
Good Friends l Good Music l Good Memories
Dates
June 2-6 (Monday-Friday)
Time 8:30am-12pm
Cost $275
Grades
Entering Grades 6-8 (Co-Ed)
Location
Conservatory Building 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Instructors
Mr. Jeff Wilson
Mr. Shane Ryan
This Junior High Band Camp is an opportunity for students to begin their journey of learning a band instrument. It is also designed for students with experience who want to improve their skills on traditional band instruments, including the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, drums, and more. All experience levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced junior high-aged students. Our goal is to make music and have fun with friends.
A short concert will occur on Friday, June 6 at 11:30am.
Note: All are welcome. Instruments are available to borrow.
JH Band Camp/PIE JR. Camp - Discount BUNDLE!
Bundle both JH Band Camp and PIE JR. Camp for a $50 discount savings.
Dates: June 2-6 (8:30am-12pm) / June 9-13 (9am-4pm)
Performance on Friday, June 13 at 3pm.
Note: Performers should wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes. Snacks provided. Pack your own lunch.
PERFORMING INDOOR ENSEMBLE CAMP - PIE JR.
JUNE 9-13, 2025
for students entering 4 th -12 th grade
Friends l Creativity l Memories
Dates June 9-13 (Monday-Friday)
Time 9am-4pm
Cost $275
Grades
Entering Grades 4-12 (Co-Ed)
Location
Conservatory Building 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Instructors
Mr. Jeff Wilson
Mr. Shane Ryan
Introduction to the skills of our award-winning Performing Indoor Ensemble (PIE). Rising fourth through twelfth-grade students will learn how to apply band (woodwind and brass) and color guard (flags, choreography, and dance) to produce a “mini-show” performance in one week.
Some band experience required. No experience needed to participate with the color guard.
Performance on Friday, June 13 at 3pm.
Note: Performers should wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes. Snacks provided. Pack your own lunch.
JUNIOR HIGH SUMMER ART CAMP for students entering 6 th -8
Friends l Creativity l Memories
Dates July 7-11 (Monday-Friday)
Time 9am-12pm
Cost $300
Grades
Entering Grades 6-8 (Co-Ed)
Location Skyway Campus 100 Skyway Dr San Jose, CA 95111
Instructor Mrs. Jill Carlson
Unleash your creativity at our Junior High Visual Art Camp! Dive into a world of fun as you explore a variety of art mediums—from painting and drawing to sculpture and mixed media. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out, this camp is all about discovering your unique voice and having a blast along the way. With hands-on activities, exciting projects, and plenty of opportunities for creative expression, you’ll leave with new skills, inspiring artwork, and memories to last a lifetime. Get ready to let your imagination run wild!
Note: Children should plan to wear clothing that can get messy and stained. Pack a snack and drink for a break outside.
AFFIRMING THE ARTS Spring 2025
Jan 18..................................... West Coast Elite Dance Competition - HS Dance
Mar 6-8.................................... 13-15 Rock of Ages: Teen Edition - HS Theatre
Mar 19...................................... Faith, Hope, and Love - JH/HS Choirs
Mar 28..................................... Serenade to Spring - JH/HS Strings
Apr 3....................................... Percussion Extravaganza - JH Drums/HS Percussion
Apr 3-5................................... Seussical Jr. - JH Theatre
Apr
Apr 24-26...............................
May 1-3................................... Experiments in Comedy & Tragedy - HS Theatre
May 5-16................................. Art Show - EL Art
May 7-14.................................
May 13.....................................
May 16-17................................
May 19.....................................
May 20....................................
May 22-24..............................
WARRIOR FUND
Tuition funds operations. Philanthropy fuels vision. Every gift makes a difference, so please consider donating to the Warrior Fund today.
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 5, 2025
Join us for our annual Quest Ball dinner and auction. Enjoy a night to honor and celebrate the Warrior legacy, raise essential funds, and make a difference for students through tuition assistance. vcs.net/questball
May 12, 2025
We look forward to welcoming the VCS community for a round of golf and a day of fellowship at the annual Golf Classic. vcs.net/golfclassic
Wherever you may be, we’re always here to support our amazing alumni like you.
As you continue to make a positive difference in communities around the world, we want to stay connected! We currently have twenty-nine ambassadors all over the country that have connected with fellow alums near them. This past year we have visited eleven cities across the US and look forward to hosting an alumni dinner near you soon. Simply scan the QR code and fill out our “Alumni Connect Form” to stay updated on news and events. Let us know about where you’ve been, where you’re headed and stay connected with us today!
Giving PLANNED
The Shechem Oak Society empowers our community to make an extraordinary impact on future generations. The society comprises all who generously bequeath legacy gifts to Valley Christian Schools.
God assured Abraham of keeping His promise to grant the land to Abraham’s descendants. Shechem holds a significant place in this narrative—it’s where Jacob excavated a well and erected an altar, where Joseph’s family laid his remains to rest, where Joshua delivered his parting words in service to the Lord, and where Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman at the well (Genesis 12:6, 33:18, Joshua 24:26, John 4:12). Shechem stands as a powerful symbol of God’s faithfulness across generations. We fervently pray that VCS, like Shechem, will serve as a reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness in Silicon Valley and worldwide.
At a time when many American educational institutions are straying from biblical values, you can ensure that Valley Christian Schools continues its Quest for Excellence™ for future generations. Join us in providing high-quality Christ-centered education to our children and grandchildren by including VCS in your will.
VCS partners with Thompson & Associates to offer confidential and complimentary estate planning consultations to our board members, administrators, faculty, staff, and community. Join my wife, Kris, myself, and others in discovering the most tax-efficient means of transferring your estate to benefit your family and your passions.
As a trusted member of our VCS community, please accept our gift to you and arrange your estate planning consultation with Darren Penny of Thompson & Associates. You may email advancement@vcs.net or call my office at 408-513-2503. If you have already included VCS in your planned giving, kindly inform us so we may include you in our Shechem Oak Society.
Looking forward,
Clifford E. Daugherty, Ed.D. President
MISSION STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment o ering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.
VISION STATEMENT
A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™
FOUNDING STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service, and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence
