Holy Cross Drama Club at Holy Cross Catholic School in Marine City will present its production of “Shrek The Musical Jr.” on March 21 and 22 at the East China Performing Arts Center.
“Based on the DreamWorks Animation film, ‘Shrek The Musical’ is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’) and a hilarious book by David Lindsay-Abaire,” a description of the musical states. “’Shrek’ brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage, and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears. ‘Shrek’ is based on the motion picture and the book by William Steig.”
The show is directed by Becky Bryson and Jonathan Meldrum, the music directors are Wyatt Clark and Lisa Mackaluso and the stage manager is Jenna Tucker.
“We held auditions and cast the show at the end of December, right before our Christmas break,” Bryson said. “We began rehearsals the week we returned from break, on Jan. 8.”
The cast is comprised of Leo DeVeny as Shrek; Claire Gryszkiewicz as Fiona and Dulocian; Ella Fox as Mom Ogress, Princess Fiona Ogress and Woodland Creature Ensemble Butterfly; Theryn Snyder as Donkey; Sophie Tucker as Lord Farquaad; Evelyn Fox as Pinocchio; Eli G. as Gingy and Dwarf; Katie Bryson as Dragon and Dulocian; Elyse Fox as Puss in Boots and Pied Piper; Elizabeth Bryson as Young Fiona, Pig 2 and WCE morel pig, and Lily DeVeny as Teen Fiona, Peter Pan and WCE Frog.
Other cast members include Rowen Snyder, Luciana Meldrum, Saorsie Carter, David Esslin, Blake Paton, Niko Russo, Lara Cherro, Josie Cherro, Eliana Livingston, Stella Paton, Lacey Scott, Lincoln Tucker, Tristan Coughlin, Angelina James, Hazel Watkins, Owen Chaffin, Annabelle Fisher, Roman Meldrum, Adaline Troy, Ava Cherro, Maire Carter, Nina DeVeny, Evie LaForge and Rosie Pierson.
“Several factors play into our decision of what show to perform,” Becky Bryson said. “We consider the number of cast members required, the potential costuming and set difficulty level, and most importantly, is there a positive and empowering message that can be projected. I also ask the students what they think about certain shows and gauge their reaction. Most of the students were excited to hear about ‘Shrek Jr.’ A few had never seen it before so were somewhat ambivalent.”
She said that “Shrek Jr.” has quite a bit of dry humor that she hopes appeals to people of all ages.
“I encouraged the kids to perfect their timing and facial expressions, which I believe amplify the humor in this production,” she said. “Most of all, we want folks to sit back, relax and have a great time watching these kids transform themselves into the characters they’ve worked so hard to portray.”
Performances will take place at 1 p.m. March 21 and 6 p.m. March 22 at the East China PAC, located at 1585 Meisner Road in East China Township. The cost is a suggested minimum donation of $5 per person.
“I believe it is so important to go out and support your local artists, especially the youngsters,” Bryson said. “The validation they receive from seeing and hearing an audience during their performance is so important to encourage future participation and growth. Whether they realize it or not, performing on stage fosters life skills such as public speaking, teamwork, accountability and responsibility. So please come see the show.”
