One of the most famous love stories of the millennium about a peace-loving ogre who just wants to get his swamp back, surges to the stage of the TAS Hoskins Centre this week when Middle School students bring to life the magic that is Shrek The Musical Jr.
Directed by Mrs Leasa Cleaver and involving 40 students from Years 6-8, the production is filled with colourful costumes and scenery that recall the box-office breaking Dreamworks animation movie of 2001 and the book by William Steig.
Mrs Cleaver said the enthusiastic cast have been rehearsing since April and having grown up with the movie, have taken to their roles as ogres, knights and a plethora of fairytale characters with gusto.
“It’s such a well known family favourite and has that great twist on the classic fairytale story with some good life messages,” she said. “As a performance piece it allows for a large cast and all the students are real characters, not just part of an ensemble.”
Middle School students will also be hands on lighting and sound, under the assistance of the senior members of the Tech Club.
No less important has been the contribution of many parents, staff and friends who have spent hours at working bees creating the set and costumes that bring Lord Farquaad’s kingdom and its inhabitants to life.
“This show has had such wonderful community involvement, including a number of senior students who have just wanted to give their time building sets or working on costumes.
Will Nash, who plays the title role, said the show was “coming together really well.”
“There are so many really funny lines and songs, it’s great how how all the fairytales come together in the one show.”
Shrek The Musical Jr opens at the Hoskins Centre on Thursday 21 June for four performances only; for bookings go to www.trybooking.com/VLTD
Donkey (Lilly-Bea Holmes-Bradshaw) and Shrek (Will Nash) discuss life in the swamp
Lord Farquaad (Jack Hoppe)
Princess Fiona (Emily Buntine) and Shrek (Will Nash) get to know each other
Gingy (Jasper O’Neil) states his case on behalf of the fairy tale characters
