When I started preparing for this school year, I immediately started researching and contemplating what musical would best fit our students. Over the fall semester I spent time with our students in our theatre department and quickly discovered they were an energetic, passionate, and hard-working group! Shrek The Musical Jr. seemed to be the perfect fit for the department! Auditions were held the last week in January and the first rehearsal was February 5th. Over the next 58 days students learned blocking and choreography, memorized lines, built sets, sold ads, and meticulously crafted each scene you will see performed tonight. Exactly two months to the day after the first rehearsal the students are more than excited to share this incredible show with friends, family, and expectant theatre-goers.
Shrek Jr. is a condensed version of the hit broadway musical Shrek based on the 2001 Dreamworks film of the same title. The story follows a young ogre named Shrek as he finds friends, love, and a place to call “home.” When a group of fairy-tale creatures from the kingdom of Duloc are banished by Lord Farquaad, they find themselves evicted to Shrek’s swamp. In exchange for Shrek’s swamp back, our hero makes a deal that he will take up the arduous task of finding and rescuing a suitable queen for Lord Farquaad. Little do they know, the princess they seek is hiding a secret of her own.
This production would not be possible without the help of many friends, family members, and countless people across our community. There are a few I would personally like to thank. Benton High School is fearlessly led by three wonderful administrators who care deeply about education and the young people who attend our school. Thank you Mr. Barger, Mr. Hinson, and Mrs. Hilborn for supporting all students at BHS and encouraging the fine arts in our school. The beautiful music performed on stage would not be possible without the BHS choir director, Mrs. White. She has met with students everyday after school to learn and rehearse songs. Mrs. White is an incredible teacher and an irreplaceable addition to this production.
Thank you, the theatre goers, for taking this magically journey with our cast and crew. They have each worked incredibly hard and more importantly taken on their roles and jobs with humility and joy. In a world that seems unfair and dark, let us be encouraged. Let us be encouraged with the help of those that we love we can ALL live in a big, bright, beautiful world. Enjoy the show!
-Abby Curry
