Pinocchio – Sean Cowie. Photo: Maria Byrd
Central Middle School Theatre Arts recently presented Shrek, The Musical to delighted audiences in packed houses, as well as to a large group of 5th and 6th graders during the school day.
Shrek, The Musical is a twisted fairy tale about love, friendship, perseverance, courage, and individuality. It follows the adventures of an ogre who lives happily alone in his swamp until a band of fairytale creatures invade. Exiled from their homes in the village of Duloc by the evil Lord Farquaad, the creatures enlist Shrek’s help to convince the ruler to let them return home.
Shrek played by Elijah Blanks. Photo: Maria Byrd
In order to get his swamp back, Shrek agrees to go on a quest to find the fair Princess Fiona and bring her back to become Farquaad’s queen. Along with his new friend and sidekick, Donkey, Shrek sets out to rescue the princess, and gets more than he bargained for.
The production team chose Shrek because it enabled them to showcase many talented students in a large variety of roles.
The show involved over 80 cast and crew members, and they had a blast singing, dancing, cracking jokes and wearing outrageous costumes. The sets were a show-stopper, too.
The show was directed by CMS English teacher Brian Maher, with production and musical direction by CMS music teacher Rebecca Lipschutz. The Associate Producer/Director was CMS media specialist Mary Ellen Brezovsky, choreography by Julia Magglio, and set design and set crew management by Bonnie Hann.
Shrek, played by Elijah Blanks, and Donkey, played by Winnie Glaser. Photo: Maria Byrd
Duloc welcomers. Photo: Maria Byrd
Young Princess Fiona played by Olivia Hirsch. Photo: Maria Byrd
Stage crew. Photo: Maria Byrd
Lord Farquaad played by Zachary Jelinek. Photo: Maria Byrd
The Fairy Tale Creatures. Photo: Maria Byrd
Young Princess Fiona played by Olivia Hirsch, Teen Princess Fiona played by Stella Frankel, and Princess Fiona, played by Brooke Hadden. Photo: Maria Byrd
Dragon – Sydney Natale. Photo: Maria Byrd
Director Mr. Brian Maher, Brooke Hadden, Winnie Glaser, Elijah Blanks, Producer Rebecca Lipschutz. Photo: Maria Byrd
Pit crew. Photo: Maria Byrd
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