The long awaited production of Shrek the musical opens tonight at Bellwood-Antis, with Jacob Caracciolo staring the lead role.
The play also stars Giana Juart as Fiona, Christian Jennings as Donkey, Derek Stivers as Lord Farquaad, and Collin Matthews as Pinocchio.
Doors open at 6:30 and the curtains rise at 7:30.
The stars of the show are briming with anticipation.
“I’m really excited because I like acting and I think the audience will be surprised by how well the cast fits the characters they play,” said Payton Martin, who plays the Wicked Witch.
This has been a process that began last year. Auditions were held in October, 2024 and the production and rehearsal began in January of this year.
The play is directed by veteran high school director Molly Burns, who has directed the last three musicals at B-A.
The cast performed live in front of an audience for the first time last Thursday by performing for the entire B-A student body, with middle schoolers getting a first look at 8:45 and then the high school at 10:30 and then the elementary at 1:30.
Most of the cast members said nerves weren’t a factor. Instead, they were pumped to get the play rolling.
“I’m not really nervous I’ve done it a bunch. This is my third play,” said freshman Lily Burns, who has a solo as a teenage Fiona.
Although it’s his first play, senior Tanner Swogger, who plays the Big Bad Wolf, said he doesn’t normally get stage fright.
“Plus, its really fun to act. We’re just going to have fun up there,” he said.
Derek Stivers, who delighted crowds last week with his performance of Lord Farquaad, said everyone was “really excited.”
The play will officially will start today and run through Saturday.
