Behind The Scenes: Talking To The Cast
Behind The Scenes: Talking To the Cast
The students at Kiski Area High School have been preparing to preform this year's musical, Shrek The Musical. A musical would be nothing without the cast, and now we get to see what it feels like to part of something like this.
Shrek & Fiona
What would the show be without Shrek? Bryant Brzozowski, a Senior, pulled off Shrek with amazing plausibility. Bryant has been performing in musicals since he was in 8th grade. He is also on the board of the Armstrong Community Theater and is in three choruses. Bryant has said that drama has helped him become a better public speaker.
Fiona is a spunky princess with a big personality. Shannon Brown, also a senior, brought all of that personality to life on the stage. Shannon has been in musical theater for 4 years at Kiski and has been a lead in all of them. Shannon's skills don't end here though, she founded S.H.O.U.T. club, is president of Key club, and is the manager of the student store. She is also the manager of the academic quiz team, the secretary of Student Council, is on the Senior Committee, she participates in 4 choirs, is in the National Honors Society (NHS), and she put together the talent show.
Lord Farquaad & the Fairy Tale Creatures
Garrett Seymour, a Sophomore, was an incredible Lord Farquaad. His performance brought so much to the show by being such an over-the-top villain. Garret said he loves to be the villain, because you get to have an evil laugh. Villains have some of the most eccentric personalities and are so much fun to watch on stage. The most impressive thing is Garrett was on his knees for almost the entire production.
The sheer number of fairy tale creatures was amazing, and they looked great up on stage. There was Pinocchio, Fairy Godmother, the Big Bad Wolf, The Mad Hatter, The Pied Piper, and Three Blind Mice, just to name a few.
Shawn Franklin, a Senior, who played the Big Bad Wolf probably had one of the warmest costumes in the show. It had a lot of layers of fur and rubber. Shawn started musical theater when he was in 7th grade. He has been hooked ever since and said when it is not musical time he misses the fun and busy atmosphere.
The Mad Hatter, Peyton Martin (Sophomore), and the Pied Piper, Tiffany Stitt (Freshman) were both eager to be in their first Kiski Musical. They both have had some experience before now, Peyton being in Hometown Christmas and Tiffany being in Mary Poppins Jr.
Tiffany Stitt (Left), Peyton Martin (Middle), Kelina Smith (Right)
Brandon Ray, a Sophomore who played Pinocchio, and Angela Tucker, a Junior who was Fairy Godmother, were both part of track & field during the time of the production. Brandon says it is a fine tuning process, needing to decide between track and rehearsal, but the coaches and Mr. Capanna are all very understanding. "There is usually an hour gap in between practice and rehearsal, but in the occurrence of an away meet, as soon as the bus gets back you need to run to rehearsal," explains Angela.
There were a lot of people in this year's cast and ensemble, so I would like to recognize those people here. Thank you for being in the show, it wouldn't be the same without you.
A Duloc Gaurd (Left), Shrek's Father (Middle), The Sugar Plum Fairy (Right)
Duloc Dancers, Tinkerbell, Villagers, and Shrek's Father
Mr. Capanna is addressing the Fairy Tale creatures before the show.
Being in the cast is not easy, but it is rewarding. People join for the atmosphere alone. The busy, energetic, supportive environment is what people hope for. Getting a lead is something to be proud of, and people aren't envious, they are happy that they got to be in the show. So, if you want to join in, don't be afraid.