Penguin Project Brings 'Seussical The Musical' To Broken Arrow

Performers are getting ready to bring Dr. Seuss to the stage this weekend in Broken Arrow.

It’s part of the "Penguin Project,” a program where the stars are children and teenagers with special needs.

This project pairs teenagers with special needs with student mentors to put on a musical.

34 kids will take the stage for the first time this weekend. They've been practicing since October, and it's finally their time to shine.

"Because they have created that environment, these kiddos can get up and do anything and really show us all of the amazing talents that they have that we may have not been able to see otherwise,” said parent Lori Frederick.

Now, those talents will be shown off in a production of "Seussical the Musical."

"I get to sing and dance,” said Griffin Frederick, 17, who plays Horton.

Frederick is a student at Broken Arrow Public Schools and part of the Penguin Project.

Griffin's mom, Lori, said everyone works to create a calm and reassuring environment.

"It takes that anxiety off the kids. It's not about performing so much; it's about just being who you are,” Lori said.

Through Clark Youth Theatre, the students spend months rehearsing, learning songs and dances, and memorizing lines.

Anyone can participate and it's free.

"They want to push them to be the best. And we've seen them take new levels as a person in this play,” said parent Mickey Uphold.

Mickey said the musical brought his son, Noah, out of his comfort zone and into the spotlight.

He said Noah has social anxiety and autism however, on stage, he comes to life.

"And really, the play itself is kind of secondary. I mean you think you're coming for a play, but you're really joining a family of people who have what we like to call special abilities,” Mickey said.

"And see them really just come out of their shells. It's magic on stage. I mean it really is,” Lori said.

The kids are showing the world that their special abilities only make them shine even brighter.

Click here for tickets: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/59763