Shrek the Musical!
Shrek The Musical: Behind the Stage Curtains
By Miranda Honey
Due to the spread of COVID-19 and the consequential restrictions that followed, Uni High has not had a school musical since 2019. We almost pulled through with our production of Pippin last year, but the show was tragically cancelled on opening night due to an unexpected state lockdown. Many students questioned if we’d ever be able to put on another musical, or whether our annual theatre tradition would simply never return? Fortunately, these concerns were recently dismissed, as less than a month ago, University High School presented our production of Shrek The Musical!
The show was absolutely fantastic, and it was wonderful to see our very own students and staff shine once again in this medium. As amazing as the performances were from the perspective of the audience, though, we might wonder what it was actually like for the cast and crew putting them on. To get some answers, I interviewed two talented students who were a part of this year’s production: Actor of Princess Fiona, Mia Gionfriddo, and Stage Manager, Alicia Guiney. This is what they had to say about their experiences and reflection on the 2022 school musical.
Uni High was finally able to put on a show after years of COVID shutting down the musical process. As you are [both] in Year 12 and will be graduating this year, it was also your very last high school production. How did it feel to be backstage again/back on the stage after so long away from it, especially knowing that it was your last time being there as a high school student?
Mia: “It felt really good to be back on stage, if not a little bittersweet due to the fact that it was my last show. It's still a little surreal that I won't be coming back to the musical next year, but at the same time I'm excited to see what the new lot of students are going to do and I can't wait to come back and watch.”
Alicia: “It was great to finally be side stage during a show again. We came so close last year but had it called off at the last minute and the lead up to this show felt like it could take much the same route. Key people got COVID, understudies were being cast, etc. and so the feeling of euphoria when we successfully pulled off a show that night was immense. It was so amazing to be able to get that last show done and makes me feel even sadder for everyone who has missed out over the last few years.”
What was the best or most memorable part of this year’s production? Alternatively, what was the most difficult or complicated part?
M: “I think one of the highlights of every show was probably that exploding bird and the inflatable deer. Definitely the stars of the show. And also key to one of the most difficult parts: not laughing when the deer deflated each time it came on stage.”
A: “Most memorable part was the deer deflating on stage right before it needed to come on during opening night. We had been trying to patch it up and keep it inflated…but then it just hit the stage and immediately crumpled. Funniest part of the show from a backstage perspective. Most difficult part was making sure all the cues were perfectly timed. Saying go for a curtain may not seem super important, but if things are called at the wrong time, people can be seriously hurt and the show can look terrible. Thankfully they all worked well this year!”
What will you miss the most about working/performing in University High School musicals?
M: “The friends I've made through the musical and the memories made are going to be the things I miss the most I think. It's an amazing experience to get to have, and while I love performing normally, performing alongside these amazing people is going to be something I'm really going to miss.”
A: “Honestly the people. Everyone in the musical is so lovely and because everyone wants to be there so much it makes the whole experience that much more enjoyable. Crew in particular, I find we always end up forming a tight-knit group which is so hard to say bye to at the end of the show. More so this year knowing I’ll never get to be a part of it again.”
Thank you very much to Mia and Alicia for providing insight into this memorable, interesting and wonderful experience. Uni High is so lucky that, despite the complications of COVID, we managed to put on such an amazing show this year. We truly hope that we can continue performing school musicals in the upcoming years as well!
