Many months of hard work and creative energy came to a wonderful conclusion as Trinity College School presented Shrek the Musical for three shows, May 23rd to 25th in the Dick and Jane LeVan Theatre. Audiences were transported to a “once upon a time” land of ogres and princesses, and left with the inspiring message that love and friendship abound when we are true to ourselves and accepting of others.
The process of staging Shrek began last year, including auditions in spring and fall 2023 to find a cast that could carry the emotion, humour and vocal demands of the musical. Based on the hit 2001 animated film, the play tells the story of the grumpy ogre Shrek (Oliver G.), whose solitary life is upended when his swamp is invaded by fairytale creatures, exiled by the scheming Lord Farquaad (Riley M.). It turns out the only way for Shrek to win back his peace is to rescue Farquaad’s intended bride, Princess Fiona (Kenna B.), from the tower where she is guarded by a dragon (Suzy C.). With the help of the enthusiastic Donkey (Kennedy A.), Shrek and Fiona set out on an adventure that changes his heart.
The world of Shrek includes a cast of storybook favourites: Pinocchio (Wolfgang V.), Sugar Plum Fairy (Sophie A.), Fairy Godmother (Romy B.), Mad Hatter (Avery G.), Elf (Kai F.), Pied Piper (Ewan E.), the Third Little Pig (Saif S.), Peter Pan (Nicolas C.), as well as the Three Bears (Ms. Suzy Hall, Mr. Campbell Hall and Mr. Peter Mao) and the Big Bad Wolf (Dr. Greg Hodges). Helping Farquaad in his plot to marry Fiona are the Captain of the Guard (Stafford C.) and the Bishop (Canon Don Aitchison). Ailsa H. and Cindy Z. played young versions of Fiona, while Matthew H. and Helen I. played Baby Shrek and Baby Fiona, respectively. Some of these cast members played multiple roles, quickly darting off stage to change costumes for each part.
A large team worked diligently behind the scenes to bring Shrek to life, led by Ms. Sally McKay-LePage (executive producer), Mr. Bill Walker (stage director), Emerson G. (student director), Ms. Heather Peters (production manager) and Patrice Callegaro (choreographer). Mr. David Ioannou (musical director) not only worked with our singers, but also directed the pit band, including musicians Jerry C., Eric J., Calvin Y., Ally J., Arden C., Michelle K., Beau L., Connor J., Connor D., Nicole W., Michael H. and Sarah I.
The wonderful land of Duloc was created by Mr. John Lee (set design), Mr. Jon Ebbrel (master carpenter), Mr. Victor Svenningson ’74 (lighting design), and Mr. Christian McFadden and Mr. Joel Wesley (sound engineering). Operating the lighting board was Jack S., with William C. on the sound board. Costumes were coordinated by Keira L. and Alexis S., while Asia S. and Alexis S. lent their talents to the incredible make-up for the show. The poster for the show was created by Monya P.
Keeping all of the action on stage running smoothly was the work of Sarah E. (stage manager) and Quinn M. (assistant stage manager) and their running crew of Monya P., Samira I., Sherry Z., Riri A., Autumn T., Irene P. and Sichun Z. This production was made by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Our thanks go to VOS Theatre, Hannah Lee, Anna Mastin, to the TCS facilities and IT service department, and to the entire faculty and staff for their support of the arts.
Each performance of Shrek the Musical was filled with joy, energy and a heartfelt desire on the part of the cast and crew to give their all to this beloved story. It is safe to say that the countless hours of rehearsals, learning and relearning dance steps, and sitting in make-ups chairs, were rewarded as audiences enthusiastically embraced the show.
