It's now unbelievable to me that Shrek wasn't our first choice for this spring musical. We applied for a few other shows and didn't get the rights, making Shrek our "Plan C" in a pinch. And (as always) the universe, God, the powers that be, life energy, or whatEVER you choose to call it, knew exactly what we needed when we didn't even know we needed it....
I can assure you now, we NEEDED Shrek.
A classic becomes a classic because the story stands the test of time, and Shrek is no exception. Who would have thought that a giant, green ogre would reign among the classics? I wonder if William Steig, the author of the 1990 storybook "Shrek!" knew what he was creating when he wrote it? I wonder where it came from? Did he know a "Shrek"? Was HE "Shrek"? It's a pretty straightforward story about difference; of outcasts and bullies, of self-loathing and self-love, of ignorance and understanding. Thirty five years later, these are things that continuously need to be talked about. So, a classic, it shall remain.
This theme especially hits home for me, with an army of "fairytale creatures" (aka. young performers) that I try, as best I can, to help navigate through life. We have all experienced feeling like outcasts. We have all come in contact with bullies. We all know how difficult it is when it seems as though our voices aren't being heard. And we can all relate to feeling as though no one understands. The performing arts world seems to brim with us "freaks". But what Shrek reminds us is that if we band together, we fight for what is right, and we DARE TO UNDERSTAND ONE ANOTHER'S DIFFERENCES....love will inevitably conquer all.
We now bring you our own CTSMD 1980s spin on this classic story so that YOU can walk away knowing that we see you, we hear you, and we stand by you. So, sit back, relax, and let your freak flag FLY!
Cheers & Applause!
Aly Cross, Director
