Troy Middle School students recently put on a production of “Shrek the Musical,” in the school’s auditorium.
The musical was directed by Troy Middle School teacher Tammie Herrejon.
“This is my first year here,” Herrejon said. “I’ve been directing for over 20 years, though in other places.”
The story follows Shrek as he goes on to meet Pinocchio, the three bears, the ugly duckling, Peter Pan, three little pigs and more.
Herrejon chose the musical, based off the 2001 Dreamworks movie, because it’s a beautiful story about celebrating differences, she said.
“I think they get very into this and understand that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and they celebrate differences,” Herrejon said.
Herrejon said the only difference between her production and the Dreamworks movie is that she wanted to emphasize the students’ originality and their interpretation of the character.
“I think they did it,” she said.
Mason Schlegel, 13, of Channahon, played Lord Farquaad—the main antagonist and the ruler of Duloc—was one of several eighth-grade students performing in the production. He said he is glad he decided to be part of the musical.
“It really gives me an opportunity to express myself through music, and I’ve met a lot of new friends this year,” he said. “This is my first really big role, here, at Troy [Middle School.] So, it was really fun to be able to show myself off to all the students.”
Schlegel said seeing the costumes came as a welcomed surprise for him.
“They were way out there this year,” he said. “I was like, ‘Man, Velcro legs, a wig, a sombrero-looking hat and a cape?’ This is going to be one interesting year.”
Schlegel said knowing that “Shrek the Musical” is his final production at Troy Middle School is a little sad.
Micah Klima, 13, of Joliet, portrayed the title role in “Shrek the Musical.” He said he sees a lot of similarities between himself and his character.
“[I’ve got] a lot of layers,” Klima said.
Klima said preparing for the show was challenging, but it was still worth it.
“It was very fun,” he said. “I enjoyed it a lot.”
Klima said he was pleased to see the costumes and makeup.
“The costume was great,” he said. “It’s really hot. The makeup [is] wonderful. I’m green.”
The cast and crew started working on its spring production in December 2017.
“This was a very special cast that definitely came together,” Herrejon said. “It flowed the way that it should.”
Savannah Groh, 12, of Plainfield, played a dragon in the production. She said she is glad she decided to get involved.
“When you work [on] a school play, it’s with all your friends and you know everyone,” she said. “It’s just the best part of being in a play with your friends.”
“Shrek the Musical” served as Groh’s debut production at Troy Middle School. Theatre has long been a part of her.
“At the School of Performing Arts in Naperville, I have done eight shows there,” Groh said. “It’s pretty fun.”
Groh did not negate the idea that she had some jitters about making her debut in a Troy Middle School production.
“I was kind of nervous, but I’m like, ‘I’ve done this before,’” she said. “It’s great. I love it.”
Groh donned a long, flowing dress with a dragon tail at the end all throughout her performance on stage.
“The costume, in general, was just great,” she said. “It just brings out the dragon in me.”
Groh said she sees some similarities between herself and the dragon “being sassy and slaying everything.”
Herrejon said the cast did well bringing “Shrek the Musical” to the stage.
“They did a great job,” she said. “I’m really proud of the cast. [They’re] very talented.”