A musical in the fall… what was I thinking?
To me, picking a show can often be the most difficult part. This time, I asked myself, “What show can I select that showcases our current talent and allows these young actors to grow AND encourage new actors to join us? How can we follow recent productions like Fiddler on the Roof, Les Misérables, and our Shakespeare productions? And, how do I help my students negotiate the world around them through this art form?” I decided we needed something fresh, something new, and most of all, something fun! Shrek the Musical seemed the perfect choice.
In our current political climate, where battle lines are seemingly drawn and civil discourse rare, this contemporary musical teaches the value of acceptance and self-worth. We can all see ourselves in these characters: Pinocchio: learning to be a leader and helping the fairytale creatures stand up for themselves; Shrek: listening to the hurtful opinions of bullies, doubting himself, and thinking that building walls will keep him from being hurt; Fiona: believing she needs a man to find her self-worth; Donkey: with his huge heart who only needs a true friend... These characters speak to all of us whether we are youngsters dealing with these issues now or adults remembering our own growing pains.
So often fairy tales serve as warnings but as Fiona sings, they need to be updated. Our fairy tale theme for fall and spring helps us explore the lessons offered and reconsider their intent. For example, sometimes what seems to us a curse may be intended as a blessing.
I am amazed at the talent of this group, many of whom are dancing or singing for the first time. Mr. Kenny, Mr. Justin, Maestro G., Mr. Adam, and I have put in a lot of hard work with this cast. Mr. Ron and our crew chief, Dusty, have been training and working with a lot of new crew, as well. Though it has taken us a bit longer to get things done, I am so very proud of all my cast, crew, and creative team. I want to thank them all for their belief in the power of this show and its message.
I hope you will reconsider fairy tales and decide to join us again in the spring for our Senior-directed One-Act Play & Improv Comedy Festival in January, featuring the comedy Game of Tiaras, and of course for our production of Into the Woods in April.
Kate Arthurs-Goldberg, M. A.
Director, Jesuit Philelectic Society
Into the Woods One-Act Plays & Improv Comedy Festival
April 4, 2019: 6:30 PM January 24, 2019: 6:30 PM
April 5, 2019: 7:30 PM January 25, 2019: 7:30 PM
April 6, 2019: 7:30 PM January 26, 2019: 2:00 PM
April 12, 2019: 7:30 PM January 26, 2019: 7:30 PM
April 13, 2019: 2:00 PM
April 13, 2019: 7:30 PM
