The drama club’s spring musical Shrek opens March 7. 

The production, directed by Taylor Mortenson, stars freshman Eli Ward as Shrek, senior Rachel Kantarovich as Fiona and senior Deshaun Williams as the Donkey 

Mortensen explained that she chose Shrek for the spring production in order to add humor while maintaining the themes the drama club has focused on this year.

“I wanted to continue the themes of acceptance and ‘not judging a book by its cover’ that we shared with audiences through Hunchback in the fall,” Mortensen said.  

According to Mortensen, some challenges in choosing Shrek include the elaborate costumes and difficult technical numbers. 

To overcome these challenges, Mortensen simplified the production. 

“My vision is more simplified than what you might see done professionally,” she said. “For example, our Shrek and Donkey won’t be costumed in the traditional bald cap/head cowl or donkey suit, but instead will have clothing items that will allow the audience to recognize those characters without having to literally spell it out for them.”

The audition process involved singing a prepared song for the director and assistant director. Candidates for leading roles were called back for second auditions.

 “The directors may ask you to try something different or see more out of you during callbacks,” Kantarovich explained. 

During callbacks, actors are asked to read a monologue and sing songs from the actual show. 

Theatre rehearsals are demanding, and participating in a production requires a significant commitment. Rehearsals began on Jan. 7, and since the cast only has two months to prepare, they rehearse five days a week for two hours each session, with additional four-hour rehearsals every other Saturday. 

Before tech week, the week before opening night, rehearsals are typically about 6-10 hours a week and are held a few days a week. More significant roles require a greater time commitment.

“Tech week is when everything comes together,” Kantarovich said. “The lights, costumes, microphones and makeup make it a really memorable time. We’re all tired, but it’s the most fun we have together.”

Kantarovich noted the drama club’s amazing growth since her freshman year. 

Initially, participation was low, with more middle schoolers than high schoolers involved. However, over time, the program has increased engagement and attracted more high school students. “It’s not perfect, but it’s been getting a lot better,”  she said.  “It’s definitely grown a lot, and we’ve been putting on shows  for more mature audiences.”  

Kantarovich hopes the upcoming Shrek performance inspires other high schoolers to get involved in future shows.

Kantarovich and Mortensen both emphasized that students are involved in every aspect of the production including makeup, hair, costumes and set building. 

Although the set is made by a company called Rebel Panda, the student-run crew makes props, paints sets, does makeup, moves set pieces and even works lighting. Adults including Mr. Helm, Mortensen and staff from Rabel Panda provide leadership.  

Mortensen encourages students and staff to come support the cast and crew.  

“You can show your support by coming to the shows, complimenting or acknowledging our cast and crew, or even coming out to audition or be on the crew for our show next fall,” she said. 

Kantarovich feels the show will be inspiring.

“It’s two hours where you can escape reality and experience something uplifting,” she said. “The message of Shrek is really meaningful, and I think it’s a great opportunity to be with your family or friends. If you’re curious about theater, come see the show.”