Batavia High School brings ‘Shrek’ to the stage
This weekend, theatergoers can travel to a faraway kingdom filled with fairy tale characters when Batavia High School presents “Shrek the Musical.”
The musical, based on the 2001 animated film “Shrek,” will be performed at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre. Tickets are available at www.bataviafineartscentre.org.
The Daily Herald caught up with director Dominic Cattero to find out more about the production.
Q. Why did you choose “Shrek” as your fall play?
Dominic Cattero. There are a couple of reasons I chose this show. One reason is that it was just released for rights and I wanted our performers to be the first to perform “Shrek the Musical.” Other high schools will be producing it later in the spring, but we will be the first to perform it in the fall.
Another reason we chose the show was because of the message. “Shrek the Musical” is a story about equality and not being afraid to be who you are. This is a topic I find important to explore and bring for discussion in all ages. After all, that is what art is here to do — bring up topics for discussion. The final reason we chose this show is because the music and show is so much fun.
Q. For those who haven’t seen the movie, what is this story about?
Cattero. In a kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre named Shrek (played by senior Adam Burns) — not a handsome prince — shows up to rescue a feisty princess (played by senior Katie Bertness). Throw in a donkey who won’t shut his mouth, a bad guy with a short temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand ... and his name is Shrek.
Q. About how many people — actors, directors, musicians, tech crew, volunteers, etc. — are involved with the production?
Cattero. We have over 150 people involved in this production making sure it takes flight. One of the largest involvements in our history.
Q. What have been some of the challenges in putting together this production?
Cattero. (This show) is very new and the theater industry has not yet created many of the fun and exciting elements that are required in the show. This challenge has been met and exceeded. We have therefore had to create these elements ourselves, and this has proved to be even more rewarding.
Q. What have been some of the most rewarding aspects of putting together this show? Is there anything that has surprised you?
Cattero. I am always in awe of the passion that is brought forth by our students, and they have so much passion for this production and performing. It is not that this surprises me, it is that it continually rejuvenates me and is my compass to tell me I am in the right place working with students who can’t wait to get up on the stage.
Q. What do you think the audience will like best about this show?
Cattero. There is not a thing they won’t like. We have the best talent in our cast, we have the best directors, and this show has quite a few fun special effects that tip this show over the top.
Q. Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers about this show?
Cattero. This show is more than just a fairy tale. It is a tale about humanity. Yes, for those who don’t want to see anything more in the show, it can be left at a fairy tale, but if one wishes to, there are so many things which make this tale that which is relatable to our history, to our society and to who we are and what we love and fear. That is truly the definition of a timeless tale.
If you go
What: Batavia High Schools production of Shrek the Musical
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15-16; with a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday. If those shows sell out, another will be added at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16.
Where: Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St., Batavia
Tickets: Prices start at $10 online and $11 at the box office
Details: <a href="http://www.bataviafineartscentre.org">www.bataviafineartscentre.org</a>