'Shrek the Musical' opens today at Christian Center School

HAYDEN — One oversized ear jutted from the top of Brandon Goold's bald-capped head as he sat in a chair, eyes closed, while makeup artists brushed green onto his cheeks and a large prosthetic nose.

It takes at least two hours for the high school senior to transform into the cantankerous main character of "Shrek the Musical," which opens at 10:30 this morning on the Christian Center School stage.

“It is my first time in a lead role,” Brandon said before rehearsal on Monday. “I’m pretty nervous, but I’m excited. I think it will go well.”

He's played villains and major side characters, but never a role quite as large as everyone's favorite ogre.

“I actually first watched ‘Shrek’ when I was 15, so just a little bit ago," Brandon said. "I was really excited to do this play."

A cast of more than 30 students will bring all the fairy tales to life alongside Brandon's Shrek for four performances this weekend. They'll portray a host of characters who were loved long before "Shrek" became a household name when it was released as a DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture: Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man, the Fairy Godmother, the Three Little Pigs and many more.

With the book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori, "Shrek the Musical" is based on the 2001 film, which is based on the 1990 children's book "Shrek!" by William Steig.

It's filled with music and upbeat dance numbers, as well as an ogre's share of humor.

“My favorite part, personally, and what a lot of people will like is just the character dynamics, the added jokes the leads throw in,” Brandon said.

Shrek, an ogre who keeps to himself in his swamp, finds his peaceful existence disrupted as these fairy tale characters invade his swamp in search of sanctuary from the cruel Lord Farquaad. The reluctant ogre finds himself on a journey to restore peace to the swamp and rescue a princess alongside an unsolicited travel companion, Donkey.

“I try and portray him as very joyful and purehearted,” said junior Abby Marshall, who plays the four-legged supporting character. "The moral of the story is you have to see past the external. Donkey sees through it. I just try to bring the wholesome aspect to it while being the comic relief.”

Choreographer Holly Larson is a Christian Center School mom with a nephew in the cast. She said everyone is excited for "Shrek."

"It's a really fun show. It’s got a great heart behind it with a lot of laughs mixed in,” she said. “The kids have been working so hard. They’re amazing."

She said it’s a big production in terms of costumes, lighting, sets and props.

"It’s really cool to see how our whole school community has come together to help and contribute by using their gifts,” Larson said. 

Several seniors will be in the show, finishing off their K-12 careers on a high note.

"It’s a cool launching point to send them off into the next chapter of their lives," Hanson said.

"Shrek the Musical" will be performed at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. today as well as at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Premium seating is available at $15 per ticket. Regular seating is $10 per ticket.

Christian Center School is at 3639 W. Prairie Ave., Hayden.

Info: christiancenterschool.org

    From left, senior Esther Hill, junior London Gould and freshman Kaia Wall rehearse a scene for Christian Center School's production of "Shrek the Musical."
  

    Jessica Wheeler applies green makeup to Brandon Goold's Shrek nose ahead of rehearsal on Monday afternoon at Christian Center School.
  

    Dani Cykon, center, and castmates portraying fairy tale characters from "Shrek the Musical" rehearse a dance number Monday afternoon on the Christian Center School stage. The show opens today and will run for four performances.