Big turnout for Shrek the Musical
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On November 13, the Appling County Choral Department presented Shrek the Musical, Jr. at the Fine Arts Center.

This show, based on the DreamWorks film and book by William Steig, directed by Karen Davis and choreographed by Gina Smith and Tori Wilson, drew a large crowd both at the premiere and on Saturday, November 15.
The show started with storytellers (Chaslyn Stone, Arabella Flowers, and Mikaella Nails) narrating Mama Ogre (Stacie Grandstaff) and Papa Ogre’s (Carter Lasky) request for young Shrek (Erika Chavez) to find somewhere to go.

In the swamp, the Captain of the Guards (Isaiah Spearmon) and the ensemble cast of fairytale creatures–including Pinocchio (Gavin Creamer), the Big Bad Wolf (Kimberly Perry), the Three Pigs (Bryleigh Crosby, Tina Traughber, Madison Algarin) and Peter Pan (Moriah Mims)–performed “Story of My Life.”

Afterward, Duloc performers welcomed the crowd to the magical kingdom with “What’s up Duloc,” introducing Lord Farquaad (Ash Smith).

Meanwhile in her tower, Fiona (Natalie Todd, Stacey Grandstaff) sang her wistful song, “I Know it’s Today,” with featured Deer Keira Blandin, Ericka Grandstaff, and Liry Rankin.

Back in the swamp, Shrek meets his newfound companion Donkey (Damaricus Green), singing the “Travel Song.”

Later, Donkey, Dragon, and the Knights (Isaiah Spearmon, Corey Cray, Ethan Hallman, Tyler Carlson) performed “Forever.”

Fiona and Shrek performed their duet, “I Think I Got You Beat.”

Shrek and the fairytale characters (AJ Rayner, Jordan Errett, Brandy Grant, Cameron Devor, Kevin Ryals, Jr., Khloi Aycock, Alyssa Hall, Aleigha Kent, Alyssa Rogers, Aijah Solomon, Destiny Albritton, Chelsey Leggett, Meshell Clark, Kylah Hampton, Crystal Ramirez) performed their number, “Freak Flag.”

Shrek performed his reprise of “Big Bright Beautiful World,” before the Finale was performed by the ensemble cast (McKenzie Brantley, Janiyah Tomberlin, Georgia Clark, Janita Stephens, Lundynn Spearman, Matty Selph, Kayden Miles, Marlee Vaughn, Jordan Scott) ending with the Smash Mouth hit, “I’m a Believer.”

Art teacher Shona Pate said that the setwork and Dragon props took only about a month to create. Dragon puppetmasters included Arlette Bautista, Joana Carbrera, Vanessa Piers, Cheryl Tethu, Andynayeli Vasquez-Pacheco.

Makeup artists for the show were Arlette Bautista, Mikaela Bohannon, Joana Carbrera, Jenna Carter, Vanessa Piers, Cheryl Tethu, Cailyn Ursery, and Andynayeli Vasquez-Pacheco.

The show would not have been possible without Stage Manager Robert Sharpe, drums and backstage helper Aiden Evans, and Sound Manager Greg Hanson.

The November 13 show ended with a special Happy Birthday tribute to Mrs. Karen Davis.
