Newark Drama Club Presents Shrek the Musical
Article by Nathaniel Burnett and Kaylyn Shankle
Performance Dates:
Fri., May 2 - 7:00PM
Sat., May 3 - 2 & 7PM
The Drama Club is working hard to create an amazing musical. In fact, they had to have the auditions earlier than usual to prepare. This year, the musical is big, green, and loads of fun. This year’s show is Shrek the Musical. Shrek is a big, unattractive ogre whose home is crawling with fairy tale creatures under the rule of Lord Farquaad. In order to rid his home of these creatures, Shrek goes on a quest to rescue a princess for Lord Farquaad. Will he be able to complete the quest? The cast includes Nate Akre as Shrek, Nick Gerken as Donkey, Jessica Hager as Fiona, Jason Davidson as Lord Farquaad, and many others. This musical is filled with comedy, lots of singing, dancing, and will be sure to leave you with a smile and make you laugh all the way home.

With the dancing in Shrek the Musical being very challenging, Mrs. Wheeler had to bring in the big guns. Miranda Linco, a former teammate of the NIU dance team, has recently joined the Drama Club family to teach the students the choreography for the Spring Musical. When we asked Mrs. Wheeler what she looks forward to in the production of Shrek, she said, “I’m looking forward to the rigorous rehearsal process and ultimately knocking the socks off of everyone who sees Shrek! The spring production promises to be hilarious, dazzling, and provide a great message, “to focus on who you are as opposed to what society tell you to be.” The Newark High School wishes the Drama Club luck in the Spring Musical that will show in May on the 2nd and 3rd.

Cast

Young Shrek:
Luke Lockwood

Mama Ogre, Humpty Dumpty:
Lauren Hager

Papa Ogre, Guard, Captain:
Connor Rennick

Shrek:
Nate Akre

Pinocchio:
Anthony DiClementi

Wolf:
Derek Doeing

Pig 1, 2, 3:
Danny Bullington,
Taylor Catenacci,
Autumn Bolte

White Rabbit:
Cheyenne Flowers

Fairy Godmother:
Jordan Sweeney

Ugly Duckling:
Delaney Drew

Sugar Plum Fairy, Gingy,
Young Fiona:
Savanna Flowers

Witch:
Kelsey Brown

Peter Pan:
Brennen O'Toole

Mama Bear:
Kara Brummel

Papa Bear:
John Kratzer

Baby Bear:
Faith Kaminky

Mad Hatter:
Taryn Shankle

Elf:
Kylie Eike

Donkey:
Nick Gerken

Thelonius:
Danny Bullington

Greeter:
Taylor Catenacci

Bishop:
Nic Butuso

Duloc Dancers:
Derek Doeing,
Kylie Eike,
Faith Kaminky,
Bailey Fletcher,
Brennen O'Toole,
Taylor Catenacci

Dwarf:
Mr. Hoster/ Mr. Randa

Lord Farquaad:
Jason Davidson

Teen Fiona, Pied Piper:
Grace Gerken

Lord Farquaad:
Jason Davidson

Princess Fiona:
Jessica Hager

Puss in Boots:
Bailey Fletcher

Knights 1, 2, 3:
Brennen O'Toole,
Connor Rennick,
Jon Kratzer

Ramona the Dragon:
Jordan Sweeney

Puss in Boots:
Bailey Fletcher

Rats:
Derek Doeing,
Kylie Eike,
Bailey Fletcher,
Taylor Catenacci,
Faith Kaminky,
Cheyenne Flowers,
Brennen O'Toole

Three Blind Mice:
Jadah Flint,
Alexis Allen,
Emily McCoy


Crew

Lighting:
Haylie Toftoy, Joshu Burnett,
Jayson Shirley

Costumes:
Mikaila Butuso, Sarah Bogden,
Megan Schefske

Dragon Tamers:
Nicole Lawrence, Jacob Pritchard,
Tanner Brummel, Bailey Fletcher

Sound:
Maya Wright, Noah Nichols,
Nicole Lawrence, Emily McCoy,
Jacob Dellinger

Makeup:
Maya Wright, Sarah Moutray,
Megan Schefske, Victoria Gebhart

Running Crew:
Nic Butuso, Michelle Piotrowski,
Tanner Brummel, Jacob Pritchard,
Victoria Gebhart

Props:
Nic Butuso, Sarah Moutray,
Tanner Brummel


Production Team

Director:
Elizabeth Wheeler

Musical Director:
Christy Hager

Technical Director:
Ross Wheeler

Stage Manager:
Dawn Schultz

Choreographer:
Miranda Linco

Accompaniment:
Nicole Talley

Band Director:
Mindi Chase

Costumer:
Heather Stechschulte

Makeup:
Ashleigh Colyer


Pit Orchestra

Saxophone:
Nathaniel Burnett

Trumpet:
Paul Pope

Flute:
Kayla Perry

Clarinet:
Amanda Peterson

Auxillary Percussion:
Mackenzie Fletcher

Drum Set:
Nick Minarich