'Shrek' comes to life at Kiski Area High School

Kiski Area High School is set to unleash everyone’s favorite ogre and fairy tale creatures with its upcoming production of “Shrek The Musical.”

Director Robert Capanna said he wanted to present a fun show this year, especially after two years of covid-related conditions.

“We wanted a big, hilarious and fun-for-the-whole-family show for our return to the stage. ‘Shrek’ was the perfect choice,” Capanna said.

Kiski Area alumnus and makeup artist Sadie Schons spends more than an hour transforming senior Bryant Brzozowski into Shrek, a green-faced ogre.

“She’s an amazing hair and makeup stylist, and her artistry is really essential to bringing the show to life,” Capanna said.

A cast and crew numbers about 100 students. “They’ve all worked so hard and risen to the challenge of putting on this larger-than-life show. I couldn’t be more proud of each cast, crew and orchestra member,” Capanna said.

Kiski Area High School will present “Shrek The Musical” from April 6-9.

The musical is based on the book by William Steig and the 2001 Dreamworks Animation movie “Shrek.”

The plot follows the story of unlikely hero Shrek and his journey to rescue the spunky and independent princess Fiona.

Popular musical numbers from the song list include “Freak Flag,” “I’m a Believer” and “Don’t Let Me Go.”

Packed with high energy and numerous storybook characters, the show brings the audience alongside Shrek and his wiseguy friend, Donkey, as they go on a quest — which includes encountering the conniving and evil Lord Farquaad.

Donkey is played by Akila Yaw, and Lord Farquaad is played by Garrett Seymour.

Capanna said the audience can expect the cast to bring the adventure onstage.

“There are special effects, puppets and even a huge dragon that flies across the stage,” Capanna said.

The production includes Sara McMeans as vocal director, Robert Harris as orchestra conductor and Kaylee Hansberry as choreographer.

Costume designer Deanna Whaley said there are more than 100 costumes in this year’s production, including Pinocchio, three bears and pigs, a Fairy Godmother and a Wicked Witch.

“I think the audience will recognize and enjoy a lot of different storybook characters and special effects and phenomenal voices,” Whaley said.

Sydney Cerminara plays Dragon. Her costume is a vibrant, sequined red formal gown complete with a trailing tail in the back.

Princess Fiona, played by senior Shannon Brown, makes several transformations from princess to ogre and back.

“That was a bit of a challenge,” Whaley said. “And Lord Farquaad was the most challenging because his fake legs need to bend at the knee.”

Technical director Ryan Felt said the audience can expect to experience some cool special effects.

“There’s some interesting elements — the bridge, dragon and there’s dry ice and fog,” Felt said.

All tickets are reserved and may be purchased at KiskiMusical.com for $10.