Putting on quality shows requires immense hours of practice and physicality. This year, Germantown Academy’s theater club, Belfry, is preparing for its upcoming production of “Shrek: The Musical.”
The show tells the story of a once-loner ogre named Shrek, played by Declan Dean ‘26, who leads many recognizable ‘misfit’ fairytale creatures, such as Humpty Dumpty, the Mad Hatter and the Wicked Witch, in a rebellion against Lord Farquaad.
“Our whole cast seems to be really, really excited for this show, really prepared,” Dean ‘26 said. “Pretty much everybody had all their lines memorized […] we’re getting a lot done, and we’re pretty ahead of schedule.”
The show is an adaptation of the hit animated movie, “Shrek.” The musical’s plot focuses on themes such as individuality and self-acceptance, while keeping the tone light with a mix of humorous references. The production will be showing at GA from Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 15.
“It continues a long history of […] stories that speak to bigger issues, but make them in a really palatable, bite-sized form,” Mr. Jared Eberlein, Belfry Theatre Director, said.
“Shrek: The Musical” is a complex production that keeps students busy as they learn to become their characters, prepare multiple dance numbers and sing.
“We get a schedule every week, or two weeks, with who’s called,” Bella Burnett ‘28 said. “We’ll have music with Mr. Timmons sometimes, or we’ll do blocking, or we’ll do dance sometimes.”
The preparation began in small chunks as different groups of cast members learned their parts in separate rooms. Then, once each group learned its part, the whole cast began rehearsals together.
“I think there’s nine-ish dance numbers in the musical, so everyone’s pretty split up,” Paige Sipler ‘27 said. “There’s a lot of stuff going on at once. Like, you’ll have a group in the Acting Studio, Wellness Room and in the Choir Room doing music.”
In order to prepare for the musical, Mr. Eberlein implemented a new preparation program called Belfry Endurance Training (BET). The training’s purpose is to strengthen endurance so the cast can perform to their full potential.
“It’s a way for our cast to train, because this musical is a lot,” Ms. Ann Esposito, US/MS Performing Arts Associate Teacher, said. “And I agree that learning to hone your body and skill would also support their singing, movement and [ability] to last for the entire show without dwindling energy.”
While there were mixed reactions from cast members about this new training, many saw the value and purpose of this novel program.
“I think parts of it are very beneficial. I think the cardio is definitely important for us to be able to do,” Burnett said. “This will definitely help us as an ensemble project to the audience more clearly and really get that loud, powerhouse sound for the ensemble as a whole.”
“Shrek: The Musical”, which cast members are working to prepare for through BET and other methods of preparation, will be engaging to audiences of all demographics.
“No matter your age, it’s a fun show. Kids can come and see this and have a great time and just enjoy the silliness of fairy tale creatures,” Mr. Timmons, MS/US Choral Director, said. “And for older audiences, I think they’re going to get some of the jokes and find some deeper meanings.”
With its family-friendly, humorous and meaningful storyline and all the time, energy and effort put into this production, “Shrek: The Musical” is set to show this spring.