It is the time of year when you can hear Kristin Glatz and Rebecca Groeb, staff in the drama department of Saline High School, walking through the halls humming the 1949 Cole Porter hit, “Another Op’nin’, Another Show,” as the students of Saline High School are busy rehearsing for the opening of this year’s musical, ‘Shrek The Musical’.
With the book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori, Shrek The Musical is based upon the Dreamworks Animated Motion Picture and children’s book by William Steig. Shrek is a funny story about an ogre who just wants to be left alone.
It also has a princess with a secret. And a large group of fairy tale characters.
The play is directed by Kristen Glatz, with student directors, senior Laurel Schmidt, juniors Courtney Pellerin and Elizabeth Solis and sophomore Hannah Weatherly. The vocal director is Anya Freedman-Doan, choreographer Lisa Holland and orchestra pit director Scot Cannell.
Shrek The Musical has a message that resonates especially well with today’s teenagers. The show includes a musical number titled “Freak Flag” which reassures a group of fairy tale characters that what makes them special also makes them strong.
“It is a strong message for kids today to hear that it is OK to be different. That what makes you different is what makes you strong,” Glatz said.
Shrek is being played by senior Ryan Moore. Young Shrek is portrayed by Cooper Bush, who played Winthrop in the drama club production of The Music Man last year.
Young Fiona is played by junior Liz Colson and older Fiona played by senior Brittany Bryant.
Shrek The Musical will hit the stage in the Ellen A. Ewing Performing Arts Center at Saline High School on March 1 – 3. The curtain rises on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. The Sunday matinee starts at 2 p.m.
The Saturday evening performance continues the drama club’s annual tradition of teaming up with the SWWC Culinary Arts Program for a pre-show dinner. Seating for dinner begins at 6 p.m. Tickets for the Dinner Theatre Package are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors and children 12 and under.
Regular tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors 60+ and are general admission.