Back in June when I was selecting this year’s musical, I fell in love with the score of SHREK! I knew that the characters would be widely recognizable and it would be a challenge, but a lot of fun to produce! Since then, a lot has happened in our lives. The story of Shrek speaks to me about a diverse group of people banished from a town property and sent to a swamp to live as refugees. Their presence infringes on the property rights of the sole landowner, and he becomes their only hope to overthrow a dictator and be welcomed back to their original home. Shrek also yearns to have his home back, and the heart of his journey is discovering that home is truly where the heart is - and that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Through the story of Shrek, we learn that one can’t solve problems by building a wall and people can’t be put down because they are considered "freaks." The best antidote to oppression and isolation is to stand together with friends, celebrate each person's uniqueness, and raise your freak flags high! Throw in choreography, upbeat rhythms, and some tap shoes - and you’ve got yourself a musical!
There are some “freaks” I need to thank! This production could not have been put together without the students and parents of Falls Church High School who worked countless hours both onstage and behind the scenes in support of each other and this program. Student leadership has really risen to the challenge this year and our numbers are stronger than ever! Thank you, students, for your commitment and dedication! You have played your parts well! I especially want to thank Mr. CJ Redden-Liotta, our music director, for his leadership and musical direction. I also want to thank Darius Bryant and Karinn Cologne, our choreographers, and Tiffany Vu and Sara Berjaoui, our stage managers, for their willingness to step in and make this production successful! I need to give a special shout out to Ms. Whitney Redding, who, with parents and students, made sure that our cast looks so good onstage! To our administrators and custodial staff - Thank you! And finally, to my husband, Eric De Marco: Thank you for being there always and for your advice and skill. You are my home.
Elizabeth De Marco
FCHS Theatre Arts Director
LJMS Theatre Arts Teacher
