Shrek The Musical showcases young talent
Student Actors Bryson Forde (left) and Nora Udelhoven (Right) rehearse their roles as Shrek and Dragon ahead of Thursday’s shows. (Submitted Photo)
By Breanna Teynor
Students across the Prairie du Chien School district have been preparing for the upcoming summer musical. Directed by local choir and music teacher Jill Ahrens, Shrek The Musical was written by David Lindsay-Abaire and expands upon the first movie from the popular DreamWorks series Shrek. Described best as a musical comedy, the musical is full of humor that will be appealing to all ages. Theater fans will especially enjoy frequent references to other famous stage plays. While the musical features old favorite characters Shrek, Gingy, and Pinocchio, it does so in new and exciting ways. The unique soundtrack, costuming, and fantastical backdrops will engage viewers of Shrek in ways a television screen just can’t. Most importantly, this experience is also thanks to a very talented crew of young actors.
The 63-member cast and crew consists of 3rd through 12th grade students from Prairie du Chien public schools, as well as students from Prairie Catholic School and the local homeschool community. Many of the actors are new faces to the stage, with some participating in theater for the very first time this summer:
“They are working so hard and having such a good time, and I would love for the community to see their amazingness,” says Ahrens, whose actors have been working hard since July 10th to prepare for the upcoming shows by memorizing their scripts and attending practices. This production has truly been a community effort, which Ahrens expressed could not be possible without the support of parents, crew members, and the community at large. Their support of productions like Shrek the Musical is behind-the-scenes but does not go unnoticed. Ahrens is particularly grateful for the Bargain Boutique retail shop for contributing pieces of clothing to the wardrobe department. Their generosity and fashion-forward eye has allowed the many fantasy creatures of Shrek to come to life.
Tickets for Shrek the Musical can be purchased online at www.paac.ludus.com, at the high school offices, or at the theater on the day of the shows. There will be a free-will donation matinee show at the Prairie du Chien Area Arts Center July the 27th at 10 a.m. which will be followed by a $5 show at 7 p.m. Any donations made will go toward the continuation of the summer musical program.
