Shrek the Musical

By: Kaity Stacy   

CCMHS’s drama department is working to start their new musical Shrek, which is set to premiere March 19th . With preparations starting right after the auditions in January, director and producer Diane Derrow and her team are working on set design and budget. This year Derrow is excited but nervous.

    “This year we have a lot to pay for. Whether that is the costuming or the huge dragon puppet with light up eyes, our expenses are piling up,” says Derrow.

    The cast and helpers are all working to get the set designed as well as trying to work out illusions and logistics for the stage. The worry for them is what it will cost for this new musical. Typically, the school productions can use props or supplies from other plays or musicals. Since Shrek is new, most things required for it need to be bought and payments pile up. This musical, like all the other productions, is paid for by ticket sales of previous works. The low budget is not the least of Derrow’s worries.

   “With sports, jobs, and babysitting; teenagers don’t have time to come to rehearsals,” stated Derrow.

     This is not a problem that has stopped Derrow from getting students involved. She has a plan to offer in-school rehearsals so students that can not practice after school will have the chance to be a part of the production. This work-around will hopefully fill more empty cast spots. Many parts are open for the musical. Even though not many students wish to be in Shrek, they are excited to see it     

“I look forward to watching Shrek and seeing how it turns out,” says junior Chloe Danti.