Merrifield College pupils are set to delight audiences with their production of Shrek: The Musical, which takes to the stage at the Guild Theatre this week.
Adding to the excitement, the production, directed by dedicated schoolteacher Marc Williams, promises a lively and heartwarming adaptation of the beloved DreamWorks animated film.
Before becoming a teacher, Williams was involved in numerous musical theatre productions, such as Footloose, The Wizard of Oz, Sleeping Beauty and Singing in the Rain.
“This is my third production that I’m doing for the school, we also did a Matilda show last year, but overall I have done 18 productions,” he said.
Shrek: The Musical is known for its humour, catchy tunes and heartfelt message about love, acceptance and being proud of who you are.
“It’s a fun and colourful show for younger children, full of humour that teenagers and adults can enjoy, and carries meaningful messages that resonate with all age groups.
“From kids to grandparents, the production offers entertainment that crosses generations, making it the perfect fit for a wide and diverse audience.
“The beautiful thing we also discovered while rehearsing the story is that the show is a universal love story, of not just romantic but also platonic relationships, which is beautiful.”
When choosing a musical, the goal was to pick something that would attract a wide audience, and Shrek was selected because it appealed to everyone.
The cast includes pupils from grades 7 to 9.
“We have 51 cast members, 22 backstage and about 16 staff members.
“The audition phase was so cool because there were pupils who signed up for auditions that we had never seen perform before, it’s nice to see new talent in the show.”
The young cast members said they had been working hard at rehearsals and were excited that they would finally get to perform for audiences.
“I’m quite relieved that we finally get to perform. We finally get to do what we have been rehearsing and practising in front of people,” Avuzwa Cekisa said.
The grade 11 pupil, who plays the role of Lord Farquaad, said it had been challenging playing a character who was so different to him.
“I quite enjoy my role, it’s very different from what I am as a person.
“Lord Farquaad has a very big personality, while I am still shy and reserved, but it’s fun to be out of my comfort zone.”
Grade 9 pupil Otha Maqula,16, who plays the role of “donkey”, said playing one of the main characters was demanding.
“My character is nice and very funny but to me it is very stressful because there is a lot of detail put into my role, and if that detail is not put into it, you might not get some of the things I might be saying in the performance.
“I am so nervous, but at the same time excited. It’s unbelievable.”
Williams said audiences could look forward to a highly entertaining show.
“The play is going to be full of high energy, with brilliant music and wonderful singing performed by the children.
“It’s packed with hilarious moments that are sure to make the audience laugh out loud.
“But perhaps, the thing we’ve come to realise during rehearsals is that, at its heart, this show is really about one simple yet powerful message — spreading love.”
The show opens on Thursday and runs until Saturday.
Daily Dispatch
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