The Arden Theatre transforms into a swamp filled with fairy tale characters on May 14 and 15 for two productions of Shrek the Musical.
École Secondaire St. Albert Catholic High School and Vincent J. Maloney Catholic Junior High have joined forces to produce this family-friendly musical. One of Broadway’s biggest successes, the show is packed with relatable characters, catchy songs, humorous moments, and an easily accessible plotline.
“I’ve had Shrek in the back of my mind to direct for a long time, and I waited for the right group of students. It’s very high energy, with lots of characters and colourful costumes. We even needed a costume director to manage them all. It just happened that all the puzzle pieces came together,” said director Jennifer Koehler.
In this heroic adventure, the solitary Shrek—a grumpy but good-hearted ogre—is incensed when a group of fairy tale creatures are banished to his swamp by the evil Lord Farquaad. Led by the Captain of the Guards, a parade of characters from Pinocchio, the Big Bad Wolf, and the Three Little Pigs to the Gingerbread Man, the Ugly Duckling, and the Three Bears, troop into Shrek’s peaceful domain.
In a bid to regain his privacy, Shrek confronts the short-tempered Farquaad and demands the creatures be removed. Farquaad agrees—on the condition that Shrek rescues Princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a dragon.
On his quest, Shrek meets the over-friendly Donkey. The unlikely duo—with very different agendas—manage to rescue the romantic yet feisty Fiona. Initially, the princess is disappointed her rescuer is an ogre.
However, as Shrek and Fiona spend time together, they discover they have a great deal in common—especially after the princess’s secret is revealed. Their adventure leads to friendship, love, and the discovery that true beauty lies within.
“What I like about this show is that it has a theme of self-acceptance and friendship, and it challenges stereotypes and biases,” Koehler said. “It has a wonderful storyline about characters who feel like outsiders and who, together, form a community.”
The musical boasts a cast of 36 students from Grades 7 to 12, as well as 17 technical theatre students from SACHS and a smaller number from a VJM tech class.
Grade 12 student Neo Parino leads the cast in the titular role of the dry-humoured but charming Shrek.
“Neo, as an actor, is very vocal. He’s very loud—Shrek is a character that needs to be out there. But he also needs to convey Shrek’s journey of self-acceptance, and Neo does that.”
Emma Zhou-Labon, also in Grade 12, dons Princess Fiona’s crown. Though trapped in a tower since childhood, Fiona is an unconventional female protagonist—not your typical damsel in distress.
“Emma has undergone a lot of growth from Grades 10 to 12. She has an amazing vocal presence and great self-confidence. She was our number one choice.”
Grade 10 student Tristan Javier, new to SACHS, scooped up the role of Donkey. As the main comic relief, Donkey is the pushy chatterbox audiences love.
“He has an amazing voice. Although he was shy at the audition, he’s developed Donkey’s character significantly.”
Grade 12 student Annika Pearce landed the role of the lonely Dragon, who has spent years guarding Fiona and suddenly finds herself with a crush on Donkey.
“She has an absolutely soulful voice. We view part of the Dragon character as a villain, but in the story, she only wants to be part of a community—to be loved and cared for.”
The traitorous Farquaad is played by Grade 12 student Kailen Korotash.
“Kailen brings comedic relief to the character. She’s quite talented and skillful in the way she speaks and sings.”
Jeanine Tesori’s music and David Lindsay-Abaire’s lyrics deliver some of musical theatre’s most memorable songs, including I’m a Believer, Big Bright Beautiful World, Story of My Life, and Freak Flag.
Shrek the Musical runs May 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. at the Arden Theatre. Tickets are $23.70 and include GST and handling charges. Call 780-459-1542 or visit tickets.stalbert.ca to purchase online.
