'Shrek the Musical' comes to Bryn Athyn's MPAC

For the Academy of the New Church Secondary Schools’ production of Shrek the Musical this April, cast and crew rise to the challenge of quick scene changes, character transformations, a large and rollicking cast—and a “fire-breathing” dragon.

Opening 8pm Friday, April 20, at Bryn Athyn’s Mitchell Performing Arts Center (MPAC), Shrek the Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change).

The show continues with four more performances: 7pm Saturday, April 21; 2pm Sunday, April 22; 8pm Friday, April 27; and 7pm Saturday, April 28.

Tickets are $15, $12 for students and children. Purchase online at www.ANCSS.org, by phone at 267.502.4810 or at the door. Use the coupon code “ShrekFirstFriday” at checkout for a $4 discount on each opening night ticket. MPAC is at 800 Tomlinson Rd, Bryn Athyn 19009.

“Shrek’s an entertaining show for audiences of all ages—lots of laughs, great songs and a strong message of inclusion and acceptance,” says Sarah Cooper Waelchli, producer. “But it’s also exciting for us to stage, with all the technical challenges, and we like our challenges.

“Shrek provides a lot of ‘firsts’ for our students. It’s their first comedic show and their first love story, and only one of the principal cast members has had a lead in a musical before. Plus, we have probably our largest cast ever, with 50 members.

“With multiple characters and many cameos, there are many opportunities for different students to shine.”

Tim Radcliffe, who had a small role in Mary Poppins last year, is Shrek, the lonely ogre. Junior Camryn Buss, a chorus member for Oliver! and Mary Poppins, portrays Fiona as princess and ogress. Wise-cracking Donkey is played by Bradley Robinson, who takes the ANC stage for the first time. Emily Martin, who plays Dragon, was in the chorus last year. Only Declan Durand, this year’s evil Lord Farquaad, has played the lead in past musicals (Peter Pan, Oliver!, Mary Poppins).

This year’s production of Shrek the Musical is directed by Sarah Gladish & Chris Waelchli, with choreography by Sarah Gladish. Chris Waelchli is Music Director. Simon Daum is Pit Orchestra Director. Set Design & Construction is by ANCSS StageCraft Class (taught by Chris Waelchli) and Costume Design is by ANCSS Costuming Class (taught by Lori Odhner). Naomi Haus-Roth & Simon Daum are responsible for MPAC Management/Lights/Sound/Props. The show is produced by Sarah Cooper Waelchli. ANCSS is presenting Shrek the Musical through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), which provides all authorized materials. www.MTIShows.com

Performing Arts at ANC
The Academy of the New Church Secondary Schools’ robust arts program includes not only classes in instrumental, choral and dance but also two plays a year, a year-round dance team, two-week summer acting camp for middle-schoolers and an intensive Performing Arts Portfolio class taught by the co-directors.

Students interested in the backstage aspects of theater can take courses in set design or costuming. They can also participate as members of the stage crew or by joining the sound and lighting team.