NEWS: Drama Club Wows Crowds With Performances Of “Shrek The Musical”

(Photo courtesy @jlawdrama)

By Morgan Taylor – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law High School’s Drama Club took on the spring production of “Shrek The Musical” on April 6-7.

The cast had three performances throughout the weekend – at 7 p.m. on Friday and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday. Each show brought a big audience and plenty of laughs.

“I think that the performance was really well put together and the cast and crew worked so hard as a team,” said sophomore Justin Amaro, who played Shrek.

The production took lots of time and effort to get it prepared for the audience, which consisted of students and faculty of Jonathan Law as well as friends and family of the cast and crew.

“In order to get the show ready, the cast put in months of rehearsal time. We really tried to make this show amazing for the audience,” Amaro said.

The production also involved many difficult aspects to the cast.

“It was definitely the hardest show I’ve ever done and it involved the most work backstage to move all of the sets and quick costume changes,” said senior Emma Hudd, who played Fiona.” It was such a cool experience as a cast to push ourselves to put on a seamless performance.”

The show was also difficult for the crew.

“There was a lot of preparation for the props and costumes especially,” said senior Ally Voytek, who was part of the cast and crew. “Because Shrek has a lot of characters that are more creative and generally more complicated to replicate on stage, we had to put our heads together to come up with the best way to get every single costume piece for each individual in order.”

The week before the production was very busy for the cast and crew.

“Tech week is the week that we add lighting, microphones, stage pieces, and costumes…basically where we make the show ready to be seen,” Amaro said.

Tech week was every day from 4-10 p.m.

The show also brought a full house for all three performances.

“The audience for all of the shows was really good,” said Hudd. “Usually the matinee has less people but it was pretty lively this time.”

The productions for the cast have not only been fun but also have taught life lessons.

“What I am going to miss most about the shows is the family I have gained out of it,” Hudd said. “When you are cast, you are with these people for hours on end. My favorite part about being in the shows over the years is the experience I have gained out of it. Without theatre I would not be able to public speak, pick up on social cues, or be willing to share my opinions. It has taught me how to work as a team and be expecting of anyone and everyone.”

Voytek was also nostalgic when thinking of the end of the year.

“I think two of the things I am going to miss most about being in the shows is the feeling of accomplishment that you get after the final bow and all of the friendships I have made,” said Voytek.

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