As the musical Shrek is approaching, many months were spent preparing for this to hit the stage this weekend.
“To prepare I always review my music, and then I go through and learn not only my lines but the cues to my lines, so it’s basically like learning everyone’s lines when it’s a conversational scene,” senior Neveah Allman who’s playing the role of Princess Fiona said.
“I think memorizing as soon as possible is key so that you can begin to add emotion and character to your role as you progress,” senior Quinn Fogarty, who’s playing Shrek said.
Both Allman and Forgarty prepare for the musical by showing emotions in their character and bringing them to life.
“The way I prepare myself is by running my lines over and over again until I get them engraved into my memory,” junior Zach May, who is playing Lord Farquaad, said.
Senior Drayden Chapman prepared for his role by watching others who had played his character.
“I plan to prepare for the musical by watching Shrek the movie, as that’s the version of the donkey which I’m trying to harness. Along with that, I obviously go over my music and vocal parts, making sure I can get them down before the show,” Chapman, who is playing the role of the Donkey said.
Chapman found the role of the Donkey to be a good change for him and also showed him that he was opening his horizons and portraying a different type of character that he normally wouldn’t do.
“This role felt special because ever since freshman year, I’ve only ever been cast in villainous roles. This is my first high school show where I get to be one of the good guys and that’s a really nice feeling and change,” Chapman said.
Preparing for the musical as a lead role requires many scenes of conversations and lines the actors must remember as well as the songs that are sung. As actors get to know their characters better, each finds a favorite part about them.
“My favorite part so far has been how chaotic my character is. She is very bubbly and has a HUGE personality, so it’s fun to let loose in rehearsals,” Allman said. “I played this role in 7th grade when Oakwood did Shrek Jr. and it was my first lead role. So I was super excited to have a full circle moment.”
Others just enjoy the camaraderie they feel among the cast.
“My favorite part has definitely been the rehearsals, practices and fun moments with the other cast members that create that fun and unique bond,” Fogarty said.
May wasn’t expecting to be able to get the role of Lord Farquaad when he didn’t get a callback.
“I was very happy when I found out about my role. I was worried because I didn’t get a callback originally, so it was a relief to see I got a lead role without a callback,” May said.
Bringing the character to life and realizing the type of person that the actors are playing makes the whole flow of the show much more enjoyable to watch. For the actors, being able to express themselves and have fun at the rehearsals makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
“I was of course excited at the amazing opportunity, but I knew this role would stretch me further than any other role has, and it has been a blessing,” Fogarty said.
Sherk the musical will be performed Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Friday and Saturday have sold out. A few tickets are still available for tonight’s show.
https://www.locallevelevents.com/events/details/37685

Overall, all of these characters played a big part in the musical and made a big impact on the whole show. There’s a lot of preparation and hours put in to ensure everyone’s best effort hits the stage. Along with all of the props, painting, and costuming, that also goes into making the scenes and roles really come together.