Behind The Scenes
(Shrek The Musical)
Spring is in the air, and there is no better way to spend the beginning of spring than to see Shrek The Musical, the spring show for Reeths-Puffer High School this year! The star actors for this play are Hannah Lindstrom, who plays Princess Fiona, and Charles Jones, who plays Shrek. It is being held at RPHS in the Rocket Center, and the dates for this show are March 13 & 14 at 7:00 pm and March 15 at 1:00 & 7:00 pm.
Photo taken by Alyssa Robinsson
The start of a new musical creates a ton of excitement for the cast. “I am really excited but also really nervous to be playing the leading role this far into the theatrical performance,” Charles said. Hannah echoed Charles' thoughts when she said, “It is my first real lead in a musical, so I’m anxious, but I can’t wait to perform.” The chemistry between Hannah and Charles will make their performance electric. The cast were given their roles in November and have been rehearsing since January. They both agreed that their favorite scene is the I Think I Got You Beat because they both get to do what ogres do best (fart and burp a LOT).
Photo taken by Alyssa Robinson
The experience for Charles and Hannah becoming their character is extraordinary and a long process. “I watched all the Shrek movies at least five times to work on his accent and the character development,” Charles says. Hannah had a similar process for preparing for the role: “I watched the broadway version of Shrek multiple times and analyzed Sutton Foster's movements and inflection of her voice,” Hannah says. Both Hannah and Charles say that getting into character requires physical and mental training, including prosthetics and intricate makeup to make their characters come to life.
Photo taken by Alyssa Robinson
Charles and Hannah agree that this musical is different from others they’ve been a part of. The preparation and auditions were more stressful because of being in lead roles. Charles says, “We feel more prepared, and it has many moving parts on the stage that we are doing great at.”
Photo taken by Alyssa Robinson
Though the show is stressful, Hannah finds, “This is the funniest show I've been a part of, and there are so many talented supporting lead roles.” They say that they both feel like they have done a great job at preparing. They rehearse a tremendous amount outside of school, practicing on some nights until past 10:00PM on the days leading up to the opening of the show.
Photo taken by Alyssa Robinson
Hannah and Charles are both seniors at Reeths Puffer High School, and this will be their last musical.. Charles describes this as “A heartbreaking experience because I have put so much time and effort into the art program these past four years, and knowing it’s over is devastating to me. Going from being a background character my freshman
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ear to being Shrek is so special and beautiful to me. I’m happy to end my time in the theater program on a high note… literally.” Hannah’s first lead role is Fiona, and she agrees, “I have been a part of the program since fourth grade and have made a home in the arts. I am devastated to perform for the last time, and I am afraid that I will never be in a musical program quite like Reeths Puffer ever again.”