See John Tartaglia Share Why He Wanted to Be a Part of the Youth Production of Seussical in Newtown, CT

Tony nominee John Tartaglia and more than 100 young performers from the Newtown, Connecticut area are part of Seussical, the Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty musical based on the famed children's books by Dr. Seuss, which opened on August 9 at Newtown High School. The students spent weeks working with Tartaglia, director Michael Unger, music director Jeffrey Saver and others to bring the whimsical show to life. Tartaglia revealed the experience "reaffirmed" his "faith, optimism and hope," and Unger said it is "some of the most rewarding work" he's ever done. Sponsored by the 12.14 Foundation, proceeds from the production will go to creating a performing arts center in Newtown to honor those lost in the tragic events of December 14, 2012 at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. Watch Tartaglia and the young performers sharing what the experience has meant to them on CBS This Morning below.