At Calabasas High School Theater’s annual “Welcome Back” picnic, theater director Bill Garrett revealed the upcoming 2025-2026 shows: Twelfth Night and Seussical.
Having not staged a Shakespearean play in several years, Twelfth Night, the fall play, is a highly anticipated production for CHS Theater. The comedy follows two twins separated from each other after a shipwreck, exploring themes of love and mistaken identity (one of the twins disguises themselves as a man).
“She’s the Man” is a favorite of mine, and I know that it’s a very loose film adaptation but I just think the story of Twelfth Night is really funny,” said Ashley Silverman, a CHS Theater junior. “Just because it’s Shakespeare, I know some people might be discouraged to go and watch it, but I think they should.
Although originally written in the early 1600s, Garrett plans to reimagine the play in the 1920s at a beachside resort, for an exciting twist.
“So the servants are going to be like the hotel staff. So if you’ve seen White Lotus, kind of like that style, but obviously a family-friendly version,” said Garrett.
In the spring, CHS Theater will present Seussical, a musical of Dr. Seuss’s most famous characters, like The Cat in the Hat and Horton the Elephant, that follows them through a journey of friendship and imagination.
“The last couple shows we’ve done have been a little bit more mature and kind of for an older audience, so we’re going to be bringing in the fifth graders from throughout the district to come see our show,” said Garrett.
CHS Theater is looking forward to another year on stage, and ready for a challenge with the aspect of a Shakespearean play. David Gael, a sophomore in theater, shared his enthusiasm.
“It’s a lot of cool stuff to work with, and it’s great to learn. And for Seussical, it’s just going to be a fun show. I think the singing will be amazing,” said Gael.
Auditions for the fall play are being held next Tuesday and Wednesday, September 2nd and 3rd. Students can also receive class credit for participating in the productions.
