Shrek the Musical was based off the popular short story written by William Steig. Premiering Friday April 24 at Kaneland High School, directed by Christina Staker and music by Bryan Kunstman, the musical is about an ogre who leaves his lonely home to go on an adventure.

After leaving the swamp Shrek, played by junior Ben Mitchinson, is accompanied by the very animated Donkey, played by junior Nicole Disandro. Eventually they come to Duloc village which was filled with dancing dolls and the small minded Lord Farquaad, played by senior James Tockstein. At this point Shrek and Donkey decide to set out to find and rescue Princess Fiona, played by senior Rachel Miller.

One of the highlights includes the scene showing Fiona growing up in the tower. It includes Miller and two younger girls, Kailey Kunstman and Milan Nielsen, all with great voices. Before rescuing Fiona, Shrek and Donkey dodge the dragon, played by senior Amy Croft. While on their journey back to Duloc, Shrek and Fiona seem to develop feelings for eachother. Fiona delays their arrival at Lord Farquaad’s because every night after sunset she can’t be seen. Soon Donkey learns her secret and tries to keep her and Shrek together, but Shrek is convinced he is not good enough for her.

Finally they arrive at Duloc and wedding ceremony for Fiona and Lord Farquaad begins. This scene was especially pretty with the stained glass windows in the background. Before they are married Shrek barges into the scene, coming out from the audience. He arrives just in time to see Fiona’s secret revealed, she too is an ogre. Once Lord Farquaad sees this he no longer wants Fiona and so she happily marries Shrek.

The musical Shrek was done wonderfully, the sets were very creative and the audience was always engaged. The characters especially were really brought to life in this musical.