Excitement is in the (swamp) air as the Midview High School Drama Department prepares to present its spring musical, Shrek The Musical! Under the direction of Marci Saxon and D. Justin Bilewicz III, this fairy tale adventure, based on the Oscar-winning smash-hit film, promises fun for the whole family.
When a grumpy but lovable ogre’s quiet swamp life is disrupted by a cast of banished fairy tale characters, he embarks on a quest to restore order after striking a deal with a short-tempered king. Joined by a very chatty Donkey and a rescued princess with a few secrets of her own, Shrek’s adventure reminds audiences that happily-ever-after doesn’t always look the way you think it will. Simply put, Shrek The Musical is like an onion—and onions have layers.
“This season has centered on the power of one voice, from quiet courage to bold self-acceptance. Shrek the Musical continues that journey with so much heart and humor, reminding us that embracing who we are is its own kind of bravery,” said Marci Saxon, director and vocal music director. “As a director, it has been incredibly rewarding to watch our students grow in confidence, cheer each other on, and take creative risks. This production feels like a true reflection of our school and our community. It is a celebration of courage, connection, and the joy that comes from being unapologetically yourself.”
The production showcases a talented ensemble of Midview High School students who came together to bring the show to life, contributing both on stage and behind the scenes through set construction, prop creation, and costume design.
Cast:
Brayden Peters (senior) as Shrek
Julianne Myers (senior) as Fiona
Hanna Beese (senior) as Donkey
Caleb Kropp (junior) as Lord Farquaad
Isabel Geyer (senior) as Pinocchio
Ariel Wandra (senior) as Dragon/Gingy/Fairy Godmother
Lexi Culbreth (junior) as Teen Fiona
Addison Tuttle (grade 6) as Young Fiona
Jacob Leon (grade 1) as Young Shrek
Featured Ensemble and Dancers: Heath Bier (sophomore), Amelia Colosimo (junior), Veronica Filipiak (junior), Nicholas Gawne (grade 8), Eva Geyer (grade 8), Isabel Geyer (senior), Connor Jahnsz (junior), Gabriel Kocher (senior), Laterrion Smith (freshman), Megan Tyson (junior), Thomas Workman (senior)
Ensemble: Peyton Bradford (freshman), Thaddeus Carnahan (freshman), Emily Duszik (sophomore), Destiny Nguyen (sophomore), Gloria Nguyen (freshman), Taylor Wilson (freshman)
Crew:
Lexi Culbreth, junior (Student Stage Manager)
Magnolia Jackson, junior (Student Stage Manager)
Imani Billingsley, junior (Lights)
Alison Winslow, junior (Sound)
Nathan Storrow, senior (Projections)
Haydn Perry, freshman (Sets and run crew)
Emily Duszik, sophomore (Run Crew)
Student Pit Musicians under the direction of Colleen Crayton:
Alana Foose, senior
Amy Hemmingsen, freshman
Charlie Bessey, sophomore
CJ Wandra, junior
Cole Naugle, senior
James Hensley, senior
Jasmine Buckingham, senior
Keira Snider, senior
Mackenzie Crawford, sophomore
Mallory Ives, senior
Sam McDonough, junior
Zoey Latham, sophomore
Richard Tupa, senior
Matt Bregar, freshman
Madeline Wolf, freshman
Rylie Brewer, freshman
“I have five roles in the musical—Rat Tap Dancer, Dragonette, Duloc Dancer, Mama Ogre, and Pinocchio. I love all of them, but by far my favorite is Pinocchio,” said senior Isabel Geyer. “Pinocchio is a leader in his own way. Towards the end of the show, he leads the fairy-tale creatures to take back their homes from Farquaad. He's also not afraid to be sassy, which is another part that I really love about Pinocchio. I think it's what makes him his true self, and that's really what this musical is about: being yourself and showing that you are here, different, and united in a big, bright, beautiful world!”
Performances will take place in the Midview High School Kubuski Gymnasium on March 6 and 7 from 7-9 p.m. and on March 8 from 2-4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at midview.hometownticketing.com/embed/all. Tickets are $16 for adults and $13 for senior citizens, students, and thespians. Staff members receive one free ticket with a valid ID.
“It feels wonderful to be a part of this cast. Working with all the other students—whether they’re cast, crew, or pit—is super fun, and we all lock in and work together well,” said junior Veronica Filipiak. “Stuffing the good, chaotic…everything that is Shrek…into one single word is difficult, but if I had to pick one, I’d say ‘whimsical.’”
”Shrek the Musical” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI (www.mtishows.com). For more information or questions regarding the upcoming musical, please contact msaxon@midviewk12.org.