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I-S students to stage ‘Shrek’

Musical comedy opens Feb. 15

By Holly Neumann


Iola-Scandinavia High School students will present “Shrek: The Musical.”

Performances will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15; at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16; and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, in the auditorium.

The 58-member cast will tell the story of an ogre named Shrek who lived an isolated and contented life in a swamp fa until Lord Farquaad of Duloc banishes all fairy tale creatures from his kingdom.

“When the fairy tale creatures try to take up residence in Shrek’s swamp, Shrek strikes a deal with Lord Farquaad to find him a princess in exchange for getting his swamp back,” said Shannon Huettner, administrative director of the musical. “Shrek is befriended by an upbeat donkey on a quest to find Princess Fiona who has a plan and secret of her own.”

Huettner said the directors are thrilled to have so many students take part in this year’s musical.

“This allows our students another opportunity and experience to explore and grow themselves,” she said. “We are delighted to showcase our students’ talent in another venue; outside of the classroom or athletic field.”

Taking the lead roles in this year’s musical are Keygan Singh as Shrek, Cameron Boris as Donkey and Caitlyn Hendricks as Fiona.

Huettner said Singh and Boris are a comic duo who have been seen in previous productions, while Hendricks is making her musical debut.

“This year will the first that time that I will have the lead role,” Singh said. “I think that Cameron and I work well as a team just because we are friends and get along and are always looking for a way to improve the people around us.”

Boris agrees.

“We both have spent a lot of time singing together not just in past musicals but in choir as well,” he said. “We both never hold back when we give our performances.”

Boris is playing the role of Donkey, who over emphasizes everything.

“He doesn’t care about what Shrek or any of the other characters think and he also pours his heart out into the songs that he does,” Boris said. “That is what makes playing this role such a joy to act. It’s different and expresses something that most people would never express on a regular basis.”

Hendricks will be appearing for the first time on the stage.

“I’m pretty nervous but also excited at the same time,” said Hendricks. “I love musical yet it still makes me nervous to sing in front of a lot of people.”

She has enjoyed seeing a different part of her peers and gives credit to both Singh and Boris for helping her out.

“We get along well,” said Hendricks. “We joke around a lot which helps my nerves go down.”

All three agree that the musical is worth seeing.

“Shrek the musical is an iconic show that is so much fun to not only watch but perform,” said Boris.

“We have been working really hard,” said Hendricks. “The dances are super interesting and the songs are multi-faceted with pretty harmonies.”

“That’s why you should come and see this year’s musical,” added Singh. “All of the students have put in the time to really make it quite special.”

This fun, familiar story is sure to entertain all, with its incredible dance routines choreographed by
The local dance instructor Erin Bruno choreographed the dance routines.

“It’s a feel good, upbeat, comical story that reminds us we are special for being just who we are,” said Huettner.

Musical Director Janet Glodowski has assembled a pit crew.

Tickets will be $10 each and can be purchased by e-mailing ticket requests to [email protected] or by seeing door monitors Mary Bonikowske or Kris Mork at Iola-Scandinavia High School Mondays and Fridays, Jan. 28 through Feb. 15. Tickets can also be purchased at the girls’ home basketball game Friday, Jan. 25, or at the boys’ home basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 29.

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