By Mark Ambrogi
Carmel Middle School eighth-grader Evelyn Harrison made sure she was prepared for “Shrek the Musical JR.” auditions.
“I’ve watched “Shrek the Musical” like 12 times, it’s a really good musical,” Harrison said. “Before I auditioned, I wanted to know the show. So I watched it a couple of times so I could get to know what the part was.”’
It paid off as Harrison will play the female lead of Princess Fiona in the performances which will be held at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13-14 at Carmel Middle School auditorium.
“This is the biggest part I’ve played in middle school,” said Harrison, who has been in all the productions since sixth grade.
Eighth-grader Kyle Fleckenstein has the title role of Shrek. His goal going in was family bragging rights.
“My goal was to get a better character than my sisters (Emily and Ally) because they never got leads,” Fleckenstein said. “(The role) has been very fun for me.”
Fleckenstein enjoys singing, but likes acting the most.
There are 55 cast and 56 tech crew members, said Alvin Anthony, one of three directors.
“It’s fun because it’s a story many people are familiar with so they are excited to put it on stage,” Anthony said.
Fellow director Jason ElRite has been working on the technical aspects and set.
“It’s supposed to be like a large pop-up storybook (when completed),” Anthony said.
Trisha Scheidies, the choir director, is in charge of singing and choreography. Anthony helps with the administrative side and works with the technical crew.
“(Art teacher) Gwen Gaw has been instrumental in helping get the set painted,” Anthony said.
Tickets are $5 and can be secured by emailing [email protected] or calling 846-7331, ext. 6527. Tickets also will also be sold at the door.
