I thought love was only true in fairy tales. 

And I also thought I knew enough about Shrek - the made-for-Freeform animated classic of my youth.

I’ve watched the movie about one hundred times, maybe two-hundred. I can quote Eddy Murphy on command. 

So when Crystal Lake Central’s musical cast assembled behind the curtain, I sat with a smug certainty of what was to come next:  Surely an ogre and his swamp; surely a short man and some gum-drop-buttons; absolutely a talking donkey. 

And yes the show included these and other familiar members and moments, but it also far surprised and far surpassed. 

While the movie-version, of course, prides itself on comedy, this performance promoted community - an allegiance to acceptance and a recognition that “we are us and we are you.” 

That isn’t to say there were no laughs because there were many:  Assanie plays on words, wooden horses, short jokes galore - that one gaseous, yet oddly romantic, exchange.

But high within the towers of societal prejudice, Shrek not only rescues the princess, but also reminds us that this truly can be a big bright beautiful world if we open our eyes to the pals, paths, and songs we share with others.  

As the tale-on-stage unfolded, it was easy to forget the literal place from which we all watched Saturday night.  The set was transformative - a swampy woodland gave way to a sterile castle which journeyed-on to a volcanic lair which climbed high to a forbidden tower. 

And then there was the dragon.  Hand-made and imagination-spun, the stage-size beast represented all that is musical theater:  Many voices, many hands all combined to make us all want to stay - and perhaps stay forever.  

But the literal location mattered, too:  Central High School’s auditorium stage. As our school celebrates a century of community, Shrek, by night’s end, seemed a perfectly appropriate symbol of this school’s place in all our histories.  A reminder, again, that our time in this building - whether it be on stage, in halls, on courts or classrooms - is not ours alone.  

As I pen this column, I’m reflecting on Shrek lamenting that “sometimes words fail.” And that’s how it feels now.  How do you capture a weekend like this one?  How do you adequately summarize the heart and the passion on display?  

As people filed out on Saturday night, they unanimously buzzed with wonder.  But after minutes of hugs and family photos, all retreated to their cars, into a world that doesn’t always feel so big, bright, or beautiful.  

So perhaps the best way to capture the CLC musical is to simply say “thank you” to all involved.  From directors to stage crew - from the big bad wolf to every Duloc dancer.  Thank you for reminding us that we all can and should let our respective flags fly.  

And that we don’t ever, ever have to take them down. 

Article by Guest Writer Mr. Thomas