Heartwarming themes, great music highlight Rosary High School's production of 'Shrek the Musical'
Join Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and friends in the swamp for "Shrek the Musical" this week at Rosary High School, 901 N. Edgelawn Drive, Aurora.
Show times are 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4; 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5-6; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7. Show tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens.
Tickets are available online at www.rosaryhs.com/musical. For additional information, call the school at (630) 896-0831.
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, "Shrek the Musical" is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori and a side-splitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. "Shrek" brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage. Irreverent fun for the whole family, "Shrek" proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.
The production team includes Megan Drahos, producer, vocal and orchestra director; and director Laura Biancalana, both teachers at Rosary High School.
The cast, crew, and pit orchestra includes more than 50 students from Rosary High School and Marmion Academy in Aurora. Music is provided by select members of the Rosary Symphony Orchestra, the Rosary Chamber Orchestra, and the Marmion-Rosary Band, and some local musicians.
Adults age 21 and older are welcome to visit The Swamp Tavern before the show and during intermission on Friday and Saturday evenings for wine, beer, and specialty cocktails. A Family Picnic ($10/$5) is planned for Sunday at 12:30 pm before the 2 p.m. matinee. Both events are fundraisers sponsored by the Rosary Fine Arts Boosters.
The Daily Herald checked in with Drahos to learn more about this production, which has been double-cast with two sets of leads.
Q.Why did you choose "Shrek" as your fall musical?
Megan Drahos. We picked "Shrek The Musical" because of its lighthearted spirit, important and heartwarming themes, and truly beautiful music. We want to thank our Rosary High School administration for allowing us to perform this show and share its important messages of inner beauty, true friendship, and having pride in who you are. We are also very grateful to be able to partner once again with our brother school Marmion Academy and to share this great story with a live audience as we continue to navigate these COVID times.
Q. What have been some of the challenges in putting together this production?
Drahos. One challenge has been the time frame. We only had eight weeks to put the vocals, blocking, choreography, and the set/tech elements together. Another challenge has been working with two casts. But the students have taken advantage of these extra opportunities and have grown in confidence learning from their counterparts. We welcomed these challenges that helped bring out our best.
Q. What has been most rewarding or gratifying?
Drahos. It has been my great joy to see the actors grow into their characters and the pit musicians bring out the charm and magic of the musical score with skill and passion. It's been a privilege to work with such talented students and musicians. We are also very lucky to have such a generous Rosary community of parents and Rosary alums that have worked tirelessly on the costumes and the set. Finally, it's been great to see everyone's hard work rewarded when set pieces, lights, and sound were added.
Q. What criteria did you use for casting the lead roles? Was this a difficult, or easy show to cast?
Drahos. This show was challenging to cast. The lead, supporting, and ensemble roles require great vocal ability as well as acting. We had a large amount of talent. The character development was another large part of the selection process. Throughout the process, the performers displayed substantial talent and spirit.
Q. What do you think audiences will like best about this show?
Drahos. We think a wide audience will enjoy the humor, the memorable songs, the relatable characters, and the meaningful lessons. Also, the bright costumes, scenic design, and lighting will help the audience journey from the Swamp to Duloc!
Q. With COVID still circulating, what steps are you taking to keep the performers and audience members safe?
Drahos. We have taken many steps to keep the performers and audience members safe. Performers wore masks throughout the entire rehearsal process. For the performances, actors were provided with clear shields so that the audience will be able to witness their wonderful expressions that bring out their characters. We have also made sure the audience feels safe. The audience members will be required to wear masks. Lastly, if audience members aren't able to attend the show in-person, two of the four performances are being live streamed.