Gallery: Shrek the Musical

Tonight the Shawnee Mission East theatre department opens its musical, Shrek. Performances run on Feb. 13, 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. each night, plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Sat.

The story follows Shrek, played by junior Austin Dalgleish, as he tries to get his swamp back after Lord Farquaad, played by senior Alec Armer, banishes all of the “freaks” of Duloc there. Once there, Pinocchio, played by senior Justin Armer, starts out the catchy introduction of each of the fairytale characters in “Story Of My Life”.

Annoyed by the new living mates, Shrek heads to Duloc to talk with Farquaad. On his way, he is then joined by a crazy donkey, played by senior Bridgette Beasley. His mission takes a turn after he is given the order to go save Princess Fiona, played by senior Maddie Roberts, from the tower she is locked away in with the promise of getting back his swamp.

There are many talented performers in the show, with the main standouts being junior Abby Cramer, the dragon, and senior Maddy Heigele, who plays Gingy/the Sugarplum Fairy. Cramer’s beautiful and powerful performance of “Forever” is a show stealer. And Heigele’s solo that starts out the fun anthem “Freak Flag” is fantastic and breathtaking. Plus her ability to play the two characters is impressive.

The show is full of parodies of other musicals, such Les Miserables and Wicked and is also comedy directed at people of all ages, making it a well-rounded show for all.