Aspley State High School will bring the fairytale adventure Shrek: The Musical to life this month, with more than 100 students involved on stage and behind the scenes.
Based on the hit animated film, the musical follows ogre Shrek and his talkative sidekick Donkey on a mission to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower.
Joshua Crossley, teacher and director, said the audience could expect huge characters, great Broadway songs, excellent dancing and plenty of toilet humour.
“We have students who have never sung on stage before who are now playing massive parts – including our Fiona,” Joshua said.
“The students and staff have been working so hard since February to create the best show possible. They have been spending hours after school every single day as well as lunch times, and I can promise their hard work will be evident on stage.”
Students Bring Energy and Talent to Stage
Year 12 student Ariella, who plays Fiona, said she was looking forward to exploring the character’s sassy and feisty personality.
“I really enjoy performing on stage and being able to connect with an audience,” Ariella said.
Fellow Year 12 student DJ takes on the role of Shrek.
“I’m so lucky to have the cast that I get to work with on Shrek,” DJ said.
“It’s so important to acknowledge that on and off stage, a production needs a production team. The reliance you have to have on ALL roles in a production will remain one of my favourite aspects of theatre.”
Musical Captain Paige, Year 12, plays Donkey.
“I am really looking forward to being the comedic relief of the show and hopefully getting a few laughs,” Paige said.
Musical Captain Denah, who plays Ugly Duckling, said she hoped the community would support the production “because genuinely our performance is so funny and everyone sounds incredible.”
Among the younger cast, Year 7 core dancer Vienna said she was looking forward to performing the ‘What’s Up Duloc’ dance.
“What I most love performing on stage is watching the audience’s reactions to everything and I’m excited to see how everyone reacts to all the funny, sad, and crazy parts,” Vienna said.
Year 10 core dancer Kayla said playing Dragon had pushed her out of her comfort zone.
“Through many rehearsals, it is obvious to see the heart, soul, and effort that the cast and crew put into this show,” Kayla said.
Year 7 student Emma, who plays Elf, described the production as “a wonderful way to bring the community together”.
Jovie, Year 7, who plays one of the Three Little Pigs, said, “I’m really looking forward to performing on stage and seeing all our hard work come together.”
Leon, Year 10, plays Pinocchio. He said he was excited to perform his character’s surprisingly difficult voice.
“Delivering lines in this constant high-pitched falsetto is both challenging and really fun, especially singing,” Leon said.
He said missing the production would be “like missing out on a beating heart”.
“You’ll find yourself giggling, swooning over romantic sentiments and feeling empowered by revolutionary numbers like Freak Flag,” he said. “Don’t understand? Come!”
DJ said, “It’s an hour and a half of rib-hurting laughter and emotionally relatable characters.”
“Most of all, it would mean the world to our performers; we’d adore having a giant audience to sing and act for!” he said.
Tickets start at $20. Get tickets here.
Shrek: The Musical
- 30 July – 1 August
- Aspley State High School (Performing Arts Hall)
- 651 Zillmere Road, Aspley
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