This year, Spartanburg District 7 theater produced “Shrek: The Musical,” in the Spartanburg High School Fine Arts Center. This production is a Broadway musical adaptation of the popular DreamWorks film, “Shrek,” released in 2001. With stunning performances from District 7 students ranging from elementary through high school, this musical had crowds laughing and dancing along the entire performance.
The story follows an ogre named Shrek, played by John Perez (12), who lived comfortably in his swamp until a band of fairytale creatures find themselves in exile from the city of Duloc. Shrek sets out on a quest to find Lord Farquaad, played by CJ Billings (9), determined to get his swamp back.
Madelyn Kyle (10) played the Wicked Witch, a Duloc singer and a Rat Tapper in “Shrek: The Musical” and appreciated the experience and new relationships she’s gained.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed practicing and building up the performance because we are all such good friends and have such a passion for what we’re doing, that everyone gives it their all. Seeing something that you’ve worked so hard on come together is truly incredible,” Kyle said. “I would say that my favorite moment was performing the curtain call (when we bow) because it was such a surreal moment. After all the auditions, music, choreography rehearsals and blocking days, I got to walk out and take my bow while the cast cheered me on then I just stood there and looked around, appreciating how much fun it is and how much I love it.”
Staff members and volunteers worked hard to make this production one of the best, with vibrant costumes, makeup and set designs, this musical was set up for success.
Jeff Key is a band director at Spartanburg High School and was assigned to manage the sound board as well as building and painting the set for the production.
“My duties included setting up the sound system and as well as all of the microphones. I was lucky to have help from Ms. Cotran and Mrs. Colon placing wireless microphones on the students. This year was a big production with a large pit orchestra and 40 wireless microphones. I think the students did an outstanding job producing ‘Shrek: The Musical’. Working with the students and teachers to put on such a strong production was great,” Key said.
One of the most important things when creating a musical is the music. “Shrek: The Musical” includes songs such as “Don’t Let Me Go,” “I Know It’s Today” and “Freak Flag.” Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire worked together to compose meaningful and humorous songs that made “Shrek” the musical it is today.
Reese Crocker (11) mastered the role of “Gingy” the Gingerbread Cookie with her powerhouse vocals and admired the music that brought the show together.
“My favorite song in the musical is ‘Forever’; it is extremely catchy, and I sing it all the time, even after the musical has ended. I think all the music is extremely well written and powerful, especially ‘Freak Flag’, which is all about embracing your differences and how what makes you different from others are your strengths. The outstanding music in ‘Shrek’ sounds even better when you have an orchestra as talented as ours playing it,” Crocker said.
“Shrek: The Musical” has a multitude of factors that make it unique from other Broadway performances, which makes it an interesting yet enticing production. The storyline deviates from the typical plot of a princess saved by a mighty knight, and instead focuses on Fiona, a young woman who is loyal, strong, independent and spunky.
Addyson Crocker (12) starred as Fiona and enjoyed playing such a unique character to finish out her high school performance experience.
“She’s not a typical princess, and that was really interesting to me. ‘Shrek: The Musical’ is significant to me because it was my senior show. It was so fun getting to experience that with the cast. The message of the show is also really powerful, and I loved getting to share that with the audience each night,” Crocker said.
