The Reddam House Waterfall’s George Balios auditorium was packed to the rafters when young learners from the school performed Shrek The Musical JR.
About 1 000 parents came early to fill the auditorium in support of their children on May 14 in what can be described as a perfect Saturday family outing.
Director of culture at the school and a member of the production team Emma Campbell said the play catered for both adults and children despite the film it is based on, Shrek, being released 21 years ago.
“We auditioned children from the junior, senior preparatory and the college [grades 3–12] from last year. I think for those who like being on stage or entertaining, this [play] awakened their desire and it must have meant a lot to them as some of our younger characters have not done a show for some time now because of the Covid-19 protocols,” said Campbell.
Campbell said they sold about 1 000 tickets, 580 of which were sold on the second day of ticket sales.
She said Shrek The Musical JR holds a powerful message for the whole family.
In the play, an ogre named Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. The characters then go on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance.
A Grade 9 learner Uzile Nontangana (14) played Shrek. “This play was amazing for me. And personally, it was a great experience for me that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Ironically, I did not know my lines a month ago and during the school holidays, I had to frantically go through them before the show,” said Uzile.
Other main characters included Sisanda Bophela (15) and Masingita Nkosi (17) who both played Princess Fiona, Lerato Bekizulu (9) who played Donkey and Daniel Freitas (17) as Lord Farquaad.
Campbell believes all the cast members are highly talented and have a passion to make it in the entertainment industry.
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/164426/midrand-schools-play-festival-coming-soon/
