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          What Makes Us Special Makes Us Strong!

"Do you know why I Love Shrek? 'Cause in some fairytales the prince and princess are perfect, but in Shrek it teaches us that imperfect people can still have their own happy endings!"

    Several years ago when the national tour of Shrek came through the  Mattie Kelly Arts Center I worked as a local costume/makeup crew, and was astounded by the technical complexity of this show. I remember saying to myself, "well, don't think I'll be doing THIS one anytime soon!"  I was brave enough to direct the Jr. version at the Musical Theatre Workshop at NWFS two summers ago, and finally  decided that I was ready to tackle this beast.  I figured that it would cost nearly $25,000 to do it justice, and I was right. ( So thank you for buying a ticket!) And I wanted to do it justice.

       Little did I know two years ago what the socio-political climate would be like in April, 2018-- a climate where this fairy-tale ( and I'm not sure if that is even an accurate description)  would be such an on-point allegory of the world these students are coming of age in.  The song "Build a Wall",  for example, was pretty innocuous in 2008 when it premiered on Broadway, but has a much different relevance now under the Trump administration.  The idea that there is a perfect world called Duloc ruled by an egotistical king who seeks to expel all "freaks" in order to preserve appearances, and the rise and revolt of the oppressed minority who dare to fight for what's right and expose hypocrisy is something that my students, in the wake of recent state and national events, can instantly connect to.

       Shrek is charming and hilarious, and is a story that all ages enjoy. The notion that we need to embrace what makes us unique and turn oppression and tragedy into opportunity for positive change is truly the best story we could possibly tell right now. I hope you all have as much  fun watching this show as we have had producing it.  Thank your for your support of this theatre program and these amazing young people I am blessed to spend my days with.

                Christa Whittaker