Editor’s note: The following information and photos were provided by Tom Ganser.
What’s a great way to shake off the last of the winter blaahs? Why, of course, taking in a performance of Whitewater Middle School’s production of “Shrek The Musical Jr.” April 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. and April 9 at 2 p.m. in the Whitewater High School Auditorium.
April 7 is “Pay what you can night” and general admission tickets for April 8 and April 9 are $5 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens, and free for children 5 and under. The Box Office will open 60 minutes before the performances.
Beginning about 30 minutes before the curtain opens some of Tom Ganser’s photos from the WMS productions of “Alice in Wonderland” (2017), “The Wizard of Oz” (2018), and “Guys & Dolls” (2019) will be shown.
“Shrek The Musical Jr.,” is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and the popular Broadway musical.
Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty Princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.
The cast of 35 is directed by Liz Elliott and assistant director Alyssa Orlowski. Whitewater High School actors Madison Strickler and Anderson Waelchli serve as director assistants.
“It has been so incredible working with all these students, some returning, and many new to the theater,” Elliot said.
“We have seen so much excitement from these students and have seen so many of them growing and coming out of their shells through their hard work, motivation to work on their parts, learn the choreography, and understand their characters.”
The talented cast includes Kiani Aranda, Jade Baumeister, Deven Bawden, Isabella Cohen, Anna Coleman, Grace Coleman, Lucy Davis, Esteban Diaz-Gallegos, Alexa Downs, Danny Fuller, Charlotte Hajewski, Jalayne Hanson, Nina Heim, Miles Hutchison, Jimmy Kinson, Izzy Lawton, Pamela LeQuire, Ameera Lin, Maggie Maas, Genevieve Miranda, Kiana Moore, Virginia Nelson, Sophia Noonan, Teegan Patterson, Hailey Peterson, Hayleigh Pond, Lia Ramirez, Jaylynn Rappold, Marcus Roselle, Taryn Rothwell, Josie Selby, Letty Trautman, Ava Van Daele, Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman, and Zoe Zei.
In asking to share some of their thoughts about being part of the “Shrek” cast, eighth graders Grace Coleman, Isabella Cohen, and Lucy Davis often used “fun” to describe their experiences.
Cast as a Storyteller, Davis said, “It’s been very fun to be with people from your school and have the opportunity to have fun together for a good cause.” She also said being in “Shrek” is different from other plays in which she has appeared, noting, “This one is different because I have more solo scenes, so it’s been very fun to express myself in that way.”
Cohen, also appearing as a Storyteller, said, “‘Shrek’ is a great way to learn and become a better actor and get more involved with your school,” adding, “This is new for me because it’s the first time I’m in a musical for the middle school.”
Coleman appears on stage for a first time in a leading role as Lord Farquaad. She appreciates the opportunity “to open up and be more expressive.” Coleman finds that as an actor “you don’t have to be yourself. You can be a character.” Coleman admits that being a lead is a little nerve racking, “but also not too much because I know what I’m doing.”
As Technical Director, Kat Dunham shepherds the skillful backstage crew that includes Ian Agen, Caitlin Alford, Henry Brockwell, Kora Davis, Maya Davis, Morgan Lahaie, Jacob McLaughlin, Josh Nygren, Payton Peacock, Kendra Serrano.
Thanks to Whitewater High School students Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos, Emerson Dunham, Abby Olson, Skylar Staebler, Haley Street, Claire Tourdot, Lucy Troxel, Sami Van Daele, Emma Weigel, and Matt Zingsheim for helping to create the magic of this production.
Drawing on their deep theatrical talents, Kerry Ramsden serves as Set Designer, Jim McCulloch as Lighting Designer, and Tony Hansen as Sound Technician.
