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What makes us special makes us strong

Let’s face it, theatre kids are a different breed of kid and not many understand them.  I was one of those kids. People, other than my theatre friends, could not understand why I loved Broadway musicals (You mean they break out in song…why?), why I was enthralled with Richard Harris and the story of Camelot. It just didn’t jive with the general population.

The media does its best to tell how we are supposed to look, act and feel.  It teaches us to criticize ourselves for not looking like a model.  Elissa Goodkind, founder of Style Like U, stated in a documentary that celebrates differences, “Why do we live in a society that fears everything that is natural?”

The beauty of Shrek the Musical is it is about not only recognizing our natural differences but celebrating them and seeing the beauty in who we are and who we want to be.  My hope that is this show will help anyone who sees it move toward self-acceptance and dare I say, self-celebration. 

This is our story.

You are us

We are you

Thank you for celebrating our work tonight.

This production would not have happened without my fabulous production team, Jacob, Peter, Laura, Jude, Daniella, Annie, and Cindy.  The cast looks, sounds, and moves beautifully, all thanks to you.  

Thank you to my Boosters. I have never met a more dedicated group of parents who will do almost anything to help their kids succeed.  Thank you for your support of this department and working with me so graciously this year.

Thank you to my husband for allowing me to pursue my dream by making sure the house and Dog are well taken care of while I live at school.

My deepest gratitude goes to my students. It's been a roller coaster for you these past three years and I want to thank all of you for your dedication and love of this department. Also, thank you for making my high school theatre geek dreams come true.

Stephanie Matushoneck