West Branch actors hit the swamp for ‘Shrek: The Musical’

West Branch High School’s Musical Theater Department will present the musical “Shrek” from Nov. 13-16.

“Shrek The Musical” is based on the story from William Steig’s book as well as the motion picture.

The musical tells the story of Shrek, an ogre whose priority is to maintain isolation in his swamp. After Lord Farquaad banishes fairy tale characters to Shrek’s swamp, he must travel great lengths and overcome many obstacles to regain his privacy. The plot takes a twist when he rescues the feisty Princess Fiona, who eventually reveals an astonishing secret that brings the pair closer together.

“Shrek The Musical” puts an innovative and fresh spin on this fantasy fairy tale. West Branch director Krista Clay said, “This musical comedy is also a heartwarming tale with a beautiful message – be yourself.”

The show features 19 songs that help put the audience in the fairy-tale mood.

Senior Gavin Clay will portray Shrek, the green ogre. The son of Corey and Krista Clay, he has played many roles throughout his career at West Branch, including Aladdin in “Aladdin Jr.”; The Beast in “Beauty and the Beast”; and Jean ValJean in “Les Miserables.”

Playing Princess Fiona is senior Alli Kanagy. The daughter of David and Mikki Kanagy, she is a member Young & Alive and concert choir. Kanagy’s stage career at West Branch has included roles such as Young Simba in “The Lion King”; Les in “Newsies”; Annie in “Annie”; Oliver in “Oliver”; and Belle in “Beauty and the Beast.”

Veteran actors Mason Brown and Ashton Clay will portray Donkey, a needy comical character that follows Shrek around like a puppy. Brown, son of Christopher and Christine Brown; and Clay, son of Corey and Krista Clay, both are members of marching band, concert band, jazz band, pep band, concert choir and Young & Alive. Brown will play Donkey at both Saturday shows, and Clay will have the role on Thursday and Sunday.

Jude Corallo will play Shrek’s antagonist Lord Farquaad. The son of Marco and Janelle Corallo, he last was seen on the WB stage as Enjolras in “Les Miserables.” He also played Gaston in “Beauty and the Beast.”

Junior Noelle Shutler portrays the big pink dragon who ends up mothering and loving Donkey. She last was seen as Cosette in “Les Miserables.”

Leading the fairytale creatures is sophomore Lucas Herold, who plays Pinocchio.

Choreographer Tessa Murphy has been working with the cast on dance sequences and movements that rival a Broadway production. Local voice teacher Bill Ambert has coached characters that perform solos, and music director and artistic director John Zamarelli has worked on the show with assistant director Tessa Wells.

A crew of parents has created many of the costumes, and have built the production’s sets. Bryan Runk and Heather Connor helped to create a swamp, and Bryan Hobbins, Scott Close and Zach Bloss have built a fairy-tale forest.

Corey Clay and Adam Corallo are the show’s technical crew, with 36 wireless microphones and 200 light cues.

Shows will be 7 p.m. Nov. 13; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15; and 3 p.m. Nov. 16. Note that due to West Branch’s football playoff game on Nov. 14, there will not be a Friday show.

Reserved seating for all the shows is available at wbmusic.org. Reserved tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for students.

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: West Branch actors hit the swamp for ‘Shrek: The Musical’