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Stripped
down Shrek production a musical theatre master class
By
Fred Sherwin
January 19, 2019
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 The
St. Peter High School production of Shrek the
Musical stars Sydney Maloney as Fiona and
Jason Kokkovas in the lead role as Shrek. Fred
Sherwin/Photos
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One
of the local theatre highlights of the year has always been
the St. Peter High School musical theatre production, which
in the past have included such memorable performances as Shrek
the Musical in 2014, Tarzan the Musical in 2015 and last
year's Sister Act.
This
year, St. Peter`s musical theatre instructor Bernard Leger
decided to stage a reprisal of Shrek the Musical,
but not just any reprisal. Instead of a standard set up
with an elevated stage, a live orchestra kept out of sight
in an orchestra pit and elaborate props amd back drops,
Leger and company decided to produced a striped down version
that's much more dependent on the performances of the
actual players and especially the vocals.
Instead
of an elevated stage and an orchestra pit, the St. Peter
production takes place in the intimate confines of the
Richcraft Theatre at the Shenkman Arts Centre in what
they refer to as the flat floor set up. In other words
the production is on the same level as the first 10 rows
of seats with the orchestra in behind. Instead of elaborate
backdrops, an easel is situated at either side of the
stage on which drawings of different still lifes are placed
depending on the scene. One of the drawings is of a forest,
another is a castle tower and so on.
Another
change from past productions is the sound. Instead of outfitting
all of the main players with wireless headsets, there is
one lone microphone stand at centre stage and two microphone
stands on risers at each side of the stage in the background.
The
set uo is made use of during the opening when Shrek, played
by Jason Kokkovas takes centre stage while Shrek's parents
are at the microphones on the risers. Shrek
is a wonderful story to begin with. but brought to life
by a wonderfully talented cast who can sing their butts
off, accompanied by an equally talented orchestra, it
is pure magic. The
original Shrek the Musical was adapted from the
book for the Broadway stage by playwright and lyricist
David Lindsay-Abaire in collaboration with composer Jeanine
Tesori. For
the most part the St. Peter production stays true to the
script, but the cast has been allowed to add a little
of their own personalities to mix with the odd improvisation. As
for the performances themselves, let's just say that Leger
has once again been blessed with some ridiculously talented
students, starting with Sydney Maloney who plays Fiona. The
Grade 12 senior was a one of the standouts in last year's
production of Sister Act. Here return to the stage
in this year's production of Shrek is nothing less
than a revelation. Simply put, she's brilliant. If Disney
is looking for a princesss in one of their theme parks,
they should look no further Miss Maloiney. She was made
for the musical theatre stag. I haven't seen anyone that
talented since Steffi DiDomenicantonio, better known as
Steffi D from Canadian Idol fame, who is enjoying a successful
television and stage career. Kudos
as well to Kokkovas, who also performed in Sister Act, as
Lt. Souther. The Grade 11 student has an incredibly powerful
voice which is ideally suited to the intimate staging of this
year's production.
And then
there's Donkey, who is played by Jamie Elliot, who is extremely
talented in her own right and perfectly cast as Shrek's
traveling buddy. It should be noted that Miss Elliot is
a she and not a he. Yes, I am aware that Donkey is a male
character, and Elliot plays him as such which is a credit
to her tremendous talent. She is also very funny and plays
off Kokkovas' Shrek to near perfection. She also has an
excellent voice.
As
for the remainder of the cast. they are a number of vocal
performances that stood out including Kinsley Jura, who
plays the dragon, Manoha Jean Baptiste as Pinocchio, Calista
Guy as Gingy and Kayle Bernier as the wicked witch.
Some of
my favourite moments of the production were the ensemble
performances which include "Story of My Life".
"Freak Flag" and The Monkees hit, "I'm a
Beliver". which brings the production to a close.
I'm still
trying to figure out who performed as Lord Farquaad, who
was represented on stage by a diminutive puppet. At times
his lines were delivered by Josh Sharma and at other times
they were piped in through the PA while Sharma moved the
puppets mouth. Despite being slightly confusing, it did
not take away from the overall experience and Sharma was
on point when he was on stage.
The play
continues with two performances today (Monday, Jan. 14)
at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.
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