“Ogres are like onions!” as Shrek explains to Donkey. “Onions have layers. Ogres have layers… you get it? We both have layers.”
Bow Valley High School’s production of Shrek The Musical is much the same way, as drama teacher Adrienne Fossheim sees it. “Absolutely it has!”
Just as Shrek learns to break down barriers and reveal his inner ogre, Fossheim tells the Eagle that students are undertaking the same journey.
“Letting your freak flag fly has been a huge part of it,” she said.
Since January, Fossheim and 44 students have been hard at work breathing life into world of Shrek. However, the original actor playing Shrek had a change of heart, resulting in a vacancy for the lead role. But as Fossheim put it, “I now have the best Shrek ever.”
Grade 12 student Fynley Haines now occupies the role of the acrimonious ogre and says he can’t even count the number of times he’s watch the 2001 film to prepare for the play.
Haines is thrilled, considering Shrek is his first starring role. “It’s worth it, I love the story, I love the movie.”
When asked what the secret is to a good Shrek, Haines said in the ogre’s characteristic Scottish brogue, “You have to be angry all the time, even when you’re feeling happy.”
Indeed, Haines committed to character through most of the interview, Fossheim said she is very pleased with her students’ engagement in the production.
“They’ve been so committed,” she said, but observed they were “a little hesitant to jump in at first.” Fossheim characterized the production as “organized chaos,” but contends it’s been a boon to the play. “Everyone’s been all over the place, but it’s been a real strength.”
Of interest to note, the production has borrowed a 10-foot-tall wearable purple dragon puppet from Theatre Calgary. There will be multiple actresses playing Shrek’s love interest, Fiona, across different ages as well, according to Haines.
The drama teacher said the play would reflect the family-friendly vibe of the movie, with the occasional adult-orientated joke that made the film a hit among both parents and children.
The film itself was based by William Steig’s children’s book Shrek! The original Broadway production ran for 12 months and received 12 Drama Desk Awards and eight Tony Award nominations including Best Musical.
Bow Valley High School will present Shrek The Musical March 26 at 7 p.m., March 27 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and March 28 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Cochrane RancheHouse Theatre, with a two-hour run time. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors and can be purchased at the high school or at the door. For more information, contact Adrienne Fossheim at 403-932-9005.
