SASHS Drama Club presents Shrek the Musical

It's not easy being green, but Shippensburg students make it look effortless.

Shippensburg Area Senior High School Drama Club presents its production of “Shrek the Musical” on Jan. 26, 27 and 28 at the auditorium. 

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks animated film, and a side splitting book by Daiv Lindsay-Abaire, Shrek the Musical is a Tony Award winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori. 

The story follows the magical misadventures of Shrek, an outcast ogre, and comedic sidekick, Donkey as they undertake a quest to rescue Princess Fiona by the order of the villainous Lord Farquaad. 

Both fans of the zany movie and newcomers alike can expect a hilarious and heartwarming story about being true to yourself and finding companions along the way.

New SASHS drama club director Adam Wennick leads the production.

The Shrek the Musical is always a fun production for students because it has many ensemble roles and colorful songs, he said. 

“When I first suggested it, it was practically unanimous to do it. There are many pieces to it,” he said.

Live theater is very important for kids, “It's about building confidence. I see students who started off shy during auditions and you’d have no idea now,” he said. 

Originally from Chambersburg, Wennick was previously a director and producer in New York City and welcomed the opportunity to return to his hometown and be involved in the local community. 

With cast, crew and pit musicians, the total production involves about 65 kids, ready to show off their acting, singing, and theatrical passions.

Senior Noah Henry garbs in green as the titular Shrek, eager to bring the misunderstood orge to life on stage. 

Henry has been in multiple SASHS productions and was particularly excited for Shrek. 

“It's a lot of fun with amazing people,” he said.  

Previously taking to middle school stages, for her first high school production, junior Treslyn Staggs brings the high energy spirit of Princess Fiona and promises to keep the audience engaged every step of the journey.

Staggs was especially excited for the unique songs and different types of characters in Shrek. She was glad for the opportunity the drama club provides to meet new people. 

“It’s perfect with the large cast, there is a part for everyone,” she said. 

Staggs said she and her unconventional red-headed princess character have a lot in common about being ready for anything.  

“But the wig is a little itchy,” she said with a laugh. 

Both Henry and Staggs note their favorite song in the musical as “I think I Got You Beat,” for its fun lyrics and defining character moments and those who aren’t familiar with it are encouraged to grab a front row seat and discover it for themselves.

Showcasing it's never “ogre” until it's “ogre,” everyone is invited to join on this toe-tapping magical escapade that proves there's more to the story than what meets the ears. 

Shrek the Musical runs Thursday, Jan. 26 and Friday Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 28 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Adult tickets are $12, students are $8 and children five and under are free.