Welcome to the swamp: Matanzas High to perform 'Shrek The Musical'

The theater and music departments will join forces for four performances of the comedy.

  • By Paige Wilson
  • | 5:28 p.m. April 24, 2018
  • Palm Coast Observer
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Ogres are like onions, according to the beast of an ogre himself, Shrek. Sure, they can be stinky and might make you cry, but they also have layers. You peel one layer back and another one reveals itself. 

Matanzas High School’s Performing Arts Department added another layer to its spring show “Shrek The Musical” by incorporating 20 talented students in a live pit conducted by MHS percussion teacher Jared Allen. The musical is directed by Noel Bethea, with musical guidance from Jens Oliva, MHS chorus teacher. For four performances, a cast and crew of 90 students will take the stage and set the scene of Shrek’s swamp and tell his journey in saving Princess Fiona. 

ITMS chorus students will join the MHS cast. Math teachers Alison Winfree and Amanda Cypert assisted with costumes and directing, respectively. Students from Vinnie Oliveri's building construction classes designed and assembled the five sets, including a 6-foot-tall princess tower.

Junior Rafael Soto is starring in his first lead role as Shrek. He said it takes him about two hours to apply his green makeup and layer on his costume. 

“I was a little iffy about it at first, but then I watched the musical, and I was like ‘Oh my gosh, this show is great,’” Soto said. “Then I was like, ‘You know what? I think I’d be a really good Shrek.’ So I auditioned for Shrek, and here I am.” 

Senior Michelle Roy is taking on her first role ever as Princess Fiona. She said being a part of something bigger than herself was what drew her into the theater program this year. 

“At the beginning of senior year, I made a bucket list, and I said that I would audition for the musical,” Roy said. “And I was originally going to audition for a dance part, but then I thought, ‘It’s my senior year; I may as well go for it.’”

 

 

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