The University High School (UHS) Drama Department is performing Shrek! The Musical. While Shrek! is known to be one of the most expensive productions on Broadway, Ms. Ranae Bettger (Visual and Performing Arts Dept.) assures that UHS will produce a fun and memorable show without significantly altering the enjoyable story.
With feedback from the actors in the fall play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Bettger decided to look for something more modern for the spring musical.  At first, she dismissed Shrek! as juvenile, but she eventually revisited the musical after a recommendation from a colleague. Bettger fell in love with the cute plot and catchy soundtrack.
Musical numbers feature many different genres of dance, primarily tap, jazz and Musical Theatre, so the dancers have to be well rounded.  The cast put in a lot of work to perfect vocal techniques and choreography; about ten students took vocal lessons to improve the overall sound of the show. Bettger was astounded with how the cast rose to the challenge.
In terms of lighting and set, Bettger said, “Producing such a huge spectacle has been a real challenge in terms of budget, but we are plugging away and hoping the UHS community will buy tickets like hot cakes.” A large challenge for the crew thus far has been fitting the beautiful set into the stage as each scene requires sufficient amounts of props.
To break even, Shrek! The Musical needs to sell 1,800 tickets, meaning 300 seats per night. As UHS is the first public school to perform this show, this production has a certain modern charm that puts it apart from other UHS musicals.
Come see the Shrek! The Musical on April 3, 4 and 5, as well as on April 10, 11 and 12! Tickets can be purchased for $15 without ASB or $10 with ASB online at www.seatyourself.biz/iusd or during snack, office hours and lunch in the Little Theatre (Room 223).
By RYAN CORNELLIER
Staff Writer