CCS Shrek musical postponed until spring allowing more rehearsal time

Due to unforeseen challenges, it was decided the end of last week to postpone the Shrek musical at Chase County Schools until March, said David Rushing, 6-12 vocal instructor and musical director.
Rushing said in a mid-September article that there would be 25-35 students for around 50 parts in the musical with some students playing multiple roles.
“The students are very excited to perform the musical ‘Shrek,’ and they have all been working hard to be ready,” said Rushing.
This was a huge undertaking for such a short amount of time to rehearse. Plus, a couple of students have been gone due to illness, and it may be a problem getting costumes delivered in time, he said.
Because of these challenges, Rushing said it was decided to move the musical to March 25, 26 and 27.
“The students were bummed, but glad to have the extra time to rehearse, have all the costumes delivered and set pieces made,” he said.
Since the first announcement of the Shrek musical, interest among the student body has increased, and the number of students participating is now up around 50.
“By moving the musical to March, it allows us to add two more performances for a total of four,” Rushing said.
Scheduled performances are tentative at present, but the plan is to have a school performance around 1 or 2 p.m. on Friday, March 25 plus an evening performance at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, March 26, there will be another evening performance at 7 p.m. with a matinee performance Sunday at 2 p.m., he said.
Main characters are cast
Last week, the students selected to play the main characters were announced, said Rushing.
The main characters are Shrek played by Nickolas Rau, Fiona played by Lucy Spady, Donkey played by Arturo Miscles Gamboa and Lord Farquaad played by Joshua Starnes.
It was also announced that four young and four teen Fiona parts, for each of the four performances, would be cast with 6th, 7th and 8th grade students.
“They are so excited to perform with the high school kids,” Rushing said.
“All the students are working hard rehearsing for the performance. We look forward to presenting the musical to the public in March,” he added.
Assistant directors for the musical are Jodie Liess and Jill Bauerle. Information on ticket sales will be announced closer to performance time.