Each year, around springtime, the school puts on a production that’s acted out by students. This year, that production is Shrek the Musical. With a total of around 50 actors and additionally more working on sets and backstage, the production of the musical is an ambitious job with an outcome that fills the auditorium seats.

The lead role of Shrek is Shrek, who is played by senior Bryson England. England has been a part of multiple school productions in the past and now has decided to take on the role of Shrek. England shared that he has been doing musicals and plays since his sophomore year, when his friends pressured him into joining due to the lack of male cast members. Ever since then, England says it’s been a “no-brainer” to join the production each year.

For this role, England has to be painted green, as well as wear ogre ears. Additionally, he’s in nearly every scene in the musical. This means that he has a large amount of lines to memorize. “I make sure I’m 100% memorized around half a week before and leave it to muscle memory and gentle review in between performances. Thinking too much off stage makes you think too little onstage” said England. 

England, as well as other cast members, has many things to look forward to regarding the production. “I am looking forward to the bonds that the cast and crew build during each show” shares England. The musical gives students the opportunity to branch out and get to know others, allowing them to make new friends and connections while being able to create a production they’re proud of. 

The musical will last anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours, meaning there are many scenes involved. “The scene where Lord Faarquad sings about his daddy issues or the Act 1 closing song is my favorite,” said England. There are many scenes in the show that viewers can look forward to, especially if they enjoyed the movie or the Broadway adaptation.

After graduating this coming May, England is hoping to continue his musical career by studying secondary music education at either Eastern Michigan University or Grand Valley State University. With his hopes of continuing acting/singing, England’s dream role would be “Evan Hansen (Dear Evan Hansen) or Jack Kelly (Newsies)”.