As people gathered for the opening night of Shrek the Musical at Encinal High School, the air was full of anticipation as is usual with any opening. But there was something else there too. The smiles, the hugs, the saved seats, and the laughter—it was community. From supportive friends to parents beaming with pride, the crowd was just happy to be there for a shared experience. Add groups of drama students from other high schools and the surprise appearance of Encinal drama alumni home for Spring break, and you have one electric crowd. This audience was primed and ready to be entertained.
Shrek the Musical is a production by Encinal Jr. & Sr. Drama. The cast of 39 includes a group of 13 Encinal Senior High students as well as a group of eight Junior Jets. With seasoned performers, those fresh to the stage, and everything in between, the cast of Shrek is an eclectic mix. Directors Megan Taylor and Lachelle Morris have them focused on the themes of the show so that the heart and humor both shine through.
Claire Paaño as Princess Fiona showed both Fiona’s confident and vulnerable sides. Donkey, played by Kylie Franco, was as fun-loving and feisty as expected, but often let down by mic issues that prevented some of her jokes from reaching our ears. Ava Brandt as Lord Farquaad seemed to have her own large cheering section, and it was obvious why. Her ability to add humor beyond what exists in the script makes her a continued favorite. Delilah Schiraga as Gingy was a treat to watch, and Lucas Tong’s voice made some nice contributions as both Papa Ogre and Papa Bear.
With such a large ensemble and variety of characters, it’s hard to stand out, but that’s exactly what Jubilee Kaleikau did. Her energy and presence on stage cannot be denied. But the night belonged to our dear green-faced friend Shrek. Colby Tong tackled this role with precision, nuance, and most importantly heart. Her rendition of “When Words Fail” reminded everyone that this show is about so much more than fart jokes. However, Tong and Paaño both delivered the laughs on “I Think I Got You Beat.” And the entire cast brought down the house with their finale performance of “I’m a Believer.”
This show is a beast to produce. With complicated sets, transitions, and a plethora of costumes, it is a big mountain to climb. The production team takes up two full pages in the program. Just like a child, it takes a village to raise a show. The set design by Megan Taylor and Jett Webb with construction by Issa Brandt fills the stage from top to bottom and is the most ambitious set I’ve seen from EHS. JJ Tong came through again, as each student was costumed with care and attention to detail. And lighting board operator Danika Wijetunga added flair to the dragon scenes with color. Lachelle Morris and Kaeleigh Thorp provided crisp choreography that shines especially during numbers like “What’s Up, Duloc?”
Shrek the Musical has been delighting audiences since 2008. With an ogre who just wants to be left alone in his swamp, to a princess stuck in a tower, to displaced fairy tale creatures, everyone is trying to find their happily ever after. Along the way many discover that the future they truly want may be a little different from what they originally imagined. New friendships, new connections, and a new belief in oneself can make all the difference—and that’s why Shrek the Musical resonates so well with high schoolers.
Come feel the magic now through March 28. Tickets are available through Go Fan or at the door; general admission is $15, students and seniors are $10. Entry to the gymnasium is through the gate on Third Street.
Kelly Rogers Flynt contributes reviews of theatrical productions and feature articles to the Alameda Post. Reach her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Kelly-Rogers-Flynt.
