By Craig Horleman

DOVER — Horton the Elephant, Yertle the Turtle, The Grinch and, of course, The Cat in the Hat will be on hand this weekend as The Children’s Theatre presents “Seussical: The Musical Jr.” at the Schwartz Center for the Arts.

In this high-spirited, colorful tribute to the fanciful characters of Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos. That includes Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.”

Horton faces a double challenge. Not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.

Though Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

First-time directors (and husband and wife) Matt and Joy Truitt of Dover lead a cast of 35 kids, ranging from ages 8-16.

“We were pretty much able to choose what we wanted to do, and we had seen ‘Seussical: The Musical Jr.’ before, and I thought it would be an interesting show to do when we were watching it,” Mr. Truitt said.

“We had it in mind for our group of local kids. So, that was maybe like a year before we really started to put plans in motion for this. So, we had about a year to kind of let it simmer and think about whether this will be the one we want to do. And I’m happy we chose it.”

Ms. Truitt added that they have gotten a great deal of help putting it together.

“We’ve gotten so much support from the parents. The sets and the artwork they have done are incredible,” she said.

Both of their children — Justin Truitt, 16, and Lily Truitt, 14 — perform in the production and have been involved in The Children’s Theatre since they were 8.

“There was a chunk of time when our kids were really young. (Ms. Truitt) worked every weekend, and that had us, like, looking for something to do with the kids. We would go see local plays, and Children’s Theatre would be a part of that. The kids took to it and enjoyed it, and I enjoyed watching it,” Mr. Truitt said.

Those experiences led to the couple to directing.

“I think it’s parallel to the parents who send their kids to karate, and then, you just sit there and watch that. And we were sitting there watching our kids do this, and then, we ended up joining and getting a little more involved. So, it’s the same thing. You can only sit and watch something for so long before you want to jump up and take part,” he said.

Lily is assisting her parents by being the student director.

“It’s been fun. I’ve never done it before. I’m learning parts about directing. They’re doing the hard work, but I just love to sit, be important and do little chores for them,” she said.

She also plays the role of Sour Kangaroo.

“She’s mean. I really like playing her. She’s a really big character, and she draws attention to herself. I’ve never had a singing role before. So, that’s really fun that I get to do that.”

Caezar A. Falu, 14, of Camden, plays a pivotal role as The Cat in the Hat.

“My character is really energetic and quirky, and it’s probably the most wacky, out-of-pocket character I’ve ever played,” he said.

“And then, in some parts, he’s mischievous, getting Jojo into trouble, and he disappears. He’s a figment of his imagination, (and his) imagination is limitless. So, I have to play that into account.”

Jojo is portrayed by 11-year-old Austyn LeFort of Camden.

“He’s a boy, and he’s very creative. And he can sometimes mess things up, which gets him in trouble. He’s a pretty fun character to play,” Austyn said.

Thirteen-year-old Avalon Hogan of Dover is participating in a Children’s Theatre show for the first time. She plays Gertrude McFuzz.

“She’s kind of immature and self-obsessed. She is desperately in love with Horton,” Avalon said.

“She doesn’t get noticed. But she goes through this whole thing, and there is a lot of character development. She’s still kind of a very little kid, but she kind of grows up in the end, and they become friends.”

Avalon has acted before in other groups and said she is enjoying her time with this cast.

“It’s easy to be friends with everyone. It’s just really, really nice,” she said.

“I know there’s always stuff coming together in the background. But you don’t really notice it or appreciate it until all of the costumes and sets are in place. It’s really incredible.”

Caezar likens “Seussical Jr.” to the Broadway hit “Hamilton,” in terms of its nonstop singing and dancing.

And Austyn said that piece of the production has “definitely been a challenge.”

“This show has a lot more singing and dancing than any other show I’ve been in,” he added.

It is choreographed by Julianna Markel.

“She has been here just as much as we have. Not only her with the choreography but then also Samuel (Mace) with the piano. And then, we have a vocal coach, who’s also one of our assistant directors. So, she’s been working with the kids on the harmonies and trying to get it to sound really good,” Ms. Truitt said.

“So, we’re hoping not only are people impressed by what they see but what they hear, as well.”

The show will be staged Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The Schwartz Center is at 226 S. State St.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or at tctde.booktix.com.