As a complex amalgamation of many of Dr. Seuss’s most famous books, “Seussical” has been described as an imaginative, magical, tuneful spectacle.

For one man trying to direct a challenging musical with a diverse cast and crew of 44 strong, it is a daunting task, to say the least.

“It’s craziness,” said Warren Kerr, the director of the Auburn High School Actors Guild’s latest production. “If I could get the kids to buy into being really wild and crazy creatures, it was a play I knew we could do well.”

Kerr and his staff pulled it off last week, when the fun, delightful musical premiered at the Auburn Performing Arts Center.

Three more performances hit the stage this week, concluding Saturday. Show time is 7:30 p.m.

Putting together a cast and crew of varying skills to perform a colorful play was something Kerr was willing to do.

For the school’s drama teacher, Dr. Seuss just happened to be a childhood favorite.

“Why not? He was the best-selling author in my lifetime,” Kerr said. “When I first saw the show six years ago, it really hit me emotionally because (it) talks about being lost and being found again, but in a very gentle Seuss way. It was really, really sweet.”

Kerr was certain it was a musical his cast could do well.

“It took a little convincing. Stepping out of their safety zone is always risky for any kid, especially high-school age,” Kerr said.

The story centers around Horton the Elephant, who finds himself faced with a challenge. Not only must he protect his tiny friend Jojo (and all the invisible Whos) from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.

Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, but the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him, the only one who recognizes “his kind and powerful heart.”

Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant, in a story that makes you laugh and cry.

The musical brought out the best in the cast. It asked them to do more artistically.

“It really opened me up with acting because I really had to be a kid,” said Eliana Medina, a senior actress who plays JoJo, a smart child with a wild imagination. “I have to be all over the place and really be energetic, and make sure I work with the audience.”

Troy Green didn’t expect to win a main role, but he did as the mischievous, cunning and sarcastic Cat in the Hat. He was up to the challenge.

“It’s like the perfect role. The Cat has my personality,” he said. “It’s second nature.”

For those behind the scenes, “Seussical” was unlike any other production.

For Jan Erie, the music director, the production meant pages of dialogue played out almost entirely to rhythmic song. The production included more than 30 songs.

“It is virtually all sung or spoken to rhythms, so that makes it more difficult for the actors,” he said.

Auburn’s cast, supported by an ensemble and orchestra, responded.

The cast learned there’s more to Seuss’ work than lively and creative characters.

“On the surface, it seems like ‘Seussical’ is really simple, childish and really happy and things,” said Anthony Conley-O’Donnell, a senior actor who plays Horton the Elephant. “But if you actually pay attention to the story and what the characters are talking about, you find out the story is a lot deeper, and there’s actually certain hidden social problems and character flaws you’re able to connect with.”

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Showtime

• Production: “Seussical”, presented by the Auburn High School Actors Guild.

• Performances: 7:30 p.m., March 15, 16, 17.

• Venue: Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St.

• Main characters: Troy Green (The Cat in the Hat); Eliana Medina (JoJo); Anthony Conley-O’Donnell (Horton the Elephant); Elena Marquez (Gertrude McFuzz); Aly Bonwell (Mayzie La Bird); Cynelle Harris (Sour Kangaroo); Gage Hinz (General Genghis Khan Schmitz); Mischael Ridge and Keishawna Smith (Mr. and Mrs. Mayor).

• Direction, production design: Warren Kerr.

• Tickets: $12 general admission, $5 for seniors, students and military. Available for pre-sale at the Auburn High Bookkeeper’s Office and at the door. For information, call 253-931-4895.