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“I Know It’s Today” sung by Fiona at three different age levels, is one of the many beautifully harmonized songs in”Shrek: The Musical” performed by the Central Montcalm Drama Club. — DN Photo | Lori Hansen
Ever since “Shrek” debuted in 2001, the green ogre can be seen in stages all over the world.
This weekend, “Shrek: The Musical” will be appearing in Stanton, as the Central Montcalm Drama Club’s rendition of the Broadway musical version.
“We have five seniors in the cast,” Director Candi Huntley said. “Three of them have been doing shows together for seven years. They started together and they will end (Their high school drama careers) together. I have a lot of mixed emotions right now.”
Zach Petersen as Shrek and Erika Thomas as Fiona star as the leads in Central Montcalm Drama Club’s production of “Shrek: The Musical.” — DN Photo | Lori Hansen
The 33-member cast ranges from third- to twelfth-grade students. Most play multiple roles and have several costume changes. Yet the production is fast-paced with set changes are quick with very little pause between scenes.
“This is a Broadway version, not a ‘Shrek Jr.’ version, and a very challenging show with more singing and dancing than others. But the kids are working very hard,” said Huntley.
The performance begins like all good fairy tales with “Once Upon a Time …” And the audience is introduced to a Young Shrek (Wyatt Gallagher).
“You are growing up and getting bigger every day; Now you are seven and it’s time to go away,” sings Mama Ogre (Lillian Pratt).
A Young Fiona (Iva Gallagher) hears a similar fate.
Zach Petersen shines in his lead role as “Shrek” with a strong voice for his solos and confidence in delivering lines. He shows a good rapport with costars Donkey (Jeremiah Hoyt) and Fionia (Erika Thomas).
The three blend harmoniously in their songs such as “Big, Bright, Beautiful World” with each singing different lyrics. All three are strong performers who carry out their roles with expertise.
Trevor Bozung as Lord Farquaad shows skills in his acting, singing and dancing, and adds a comical aspect. Playing Lord Farquaad is no little feat, as Bozung does most scenes on his knees. A guitar solo in the finale added one more great aspect.
One of the best productions ever at Central Montcalm, “Shrek the Musical” is well worth the $5 admission.
If you go …
What: Central Montcalm Drama Club’s “Shrek: The Musical”
Where: Central Montcalm High School
When: 7 p.m. today and Saturday
Tickets: $5 at the door
Cast: Shrek, Zach Petersen; Donkey/Wolf, Jeremiah Hoyt; Fiona/Mary Poppins, Erika Thomas; Lord Farquaad/Knight/Mob, Trevor Bozung; Pinocchio/Dragonettte/Duloc Dancer, Jenna Bozung; Young Shrek/Baby Bear/Blind Mouse/Rat/Chariot Driver, Wyatt Gallagher; Papa Ogre/Papa Bear/Knight/Guard/Duloc Dancer, Lane Gallagher; Mama Ogre/Guard/Humpty Dumpty, Lillian Pratt; Queen Lillian/Little Pig/Duloc Dancer, Priya Brooks; King Harold/Knight/Guard/Duloc Dancer, Josiah Hoyt; Young Fiona/Rat/Bling Mouse/Bunny, Iva Gallagher; Teen Fiona/Sugar Plum Fairy/Sun/Moon/Duloc Dancer, Nicole Finkle; Pied Piper/Captain of the Guard/Thelonious/Knight, Raiden Lay; Dragon, Cyn Mortensen; Gigny/Rat/Lion/Duloc Dancer, Olivia Perry; Wicked Witch/Puss in Boots/Duloc Dancer, Ocean Thompson; Little Pig/Elephant/Deer, Serenity Kickok; Little Pig/Spoon/Duloc Dancer/Dragonette, Sarah Ryan; Bishop/Guard, Amora Brooks; mama Bear, Riley Manitowabi; Fairy Godmother, Faith Rennenburg; Ugly Dickling/Walter, Theo Bear; Peter Pan/Blnd Mouse/Knight/Mob, Ares Baareman; White Rabbit/Knight, Robert Baltierrez; Mad Hatter/Dish/Duloc Performer and Dancer, Sasha Soules; TweedleDee/Guard, LJ Gainey; Dwarf/Guard/Duloc Dancer, Sage Stine; Elf/Rat, Kairi Whorley; Mob/Lion, Coner Vroman; Mob/Cow, Hoyt Parker; Mob/Giraffe, Krista Bailey; Camel, Taylynn Johnson; Dragonette, Kyna Riley and Dragonette, Tori Geister.
Crew: Candi Huntley, director; Stephanie Sischo, music director/accompanist; Mary Green, choreographer; Betsey Klingensmith and Markey Klingensmith, assistant directors; Kyna Riley, Taylynn Johnson, Krista Bailey, Coner Vroman and Tori Geister, backstage; Marty Huntley, lights.
