By Lisa Rule
“Shrek the Musical” is coming to the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center Nov. 15-17 according to Lisa Rule, drama director at Chillicothe High School. “I am excited to bring Shrek to the stage this year as we haven’t had a musical since we were ‘chosen for Frozen’ two years ago.” Rule says that the musical features about 45 high school students plus some elementary school actors and dancers.
The CHS Drama Department has already been in rehearsals for several weeks including vocal sessions with Michele Phillips, the CHS vocal music teacher. There will also be a live orchestra this year conducted by Sarah Cavanah, CHS band director. “We’ve already started set building and lighting design, so we’re well on our way,” says Rule. Rule says that “Shrek the Musical” was chosen in part due to student choice, “I had the shows for this year narrowed down to a short list, but the students strongly favored Shrek. It has great parts for the ensemble, so everyone gets a chance to shine on stage.”
The musical will also have dance numbers choreographed by Crystal Narr and Teresa Foli. “One of my favorite parts of ‘Frozen’ was having Ballet Arts dancers in our show, and we will be repeating that this year with a fun tap number,” said Rule.
Two surprising additions to the cast include varsity football player standouts Bo Smith, who plays Shrek, and Silas Midgyett, who plays Donkey. Rule said, “I knew these two young men could sing, but I think everyone will be surprised at just how well they sing!” Zoey Warren, senior drama veteran, plays Fiona, while senior drama veteran Bianca Clark plays the Dragon. Senior Langsten Johnson plays Lord Farquaad. A large group of actors plays an assortment of Fairytale Creatures: Anya Moore, Lydia Gabrielson, Austin Covert, Sadie Bonderer, Addie Englert, Sophie Hurtgen, Ava Navarrete, Helena England, Delaney Webb, Kierra Williams, Keeley Ward, Jayden Martin, Nora Schneider, Remus Williams, Jessalyn Baker, Anna Sprong, Payton McGee, Nora Washburne, Serenity Citron, Jackson Fagan. The cast is completed by Martin Moore, Lilly Nelson, Carter Shipers, Kayden Hand, Trace Akers, Javi Warren, Emma Holcomb, Anna Pfaff, Bailey Bachman, Molly Kennebeck. Elementary students Lilli Rodenberg, Harper Fairley, Tilly Smith, and Mack Schneider are also in the cast. Elise McCarthy serves as stage manager assisted by a large crew including Emerson Staton, Oliver Navarrete, Aspen Holm, and Nikki Newton.
Shows are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. in the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center. All seats to all showings will be $10. With simple pricing, there will be no pre-sale tickets sold; all tickets will be sold at the door before each showing. Aside from some flatulence, the show is family friendly for all ages.
