After two years of “edgy” performances that catered to older audiences, Centennial secondary’s musical theatre department is back with a more family-friendly show.
Next month, the Coquitlam secondary school opens Shrek: The Musical, a production the grade 9 to 12 class has been working on nearly every day since last September.
Drama teacher Lisa Boddez is directing the 33 cast members while music instructor Carole Baker is conducting a pit of 14 musicians. Together, they’ve rehearsed, made the sets, rented and sourced out costumes and found props to present the piece.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Boddez said, “and we have a very talented group this year.”
Starring in the lead role — complete with a Scottish brogue — is Aaron Pardi, a Grade 11 student who was cast as Robbie Hart in last season The Wedding Singer. Boddez said she picked Pardi because “he’s the perfect Shrek. He does an ogre really well.”
His Fiona is Alexia Cappellini, a Grade 12 student, while Saba Mohseni, who also graduates in June, takes on Donkey. Mohseni played the grandma in last year’s Wedding Singer. “She has the sass and attitude to pull it off again,” Boddez said.
Meanwhile, the evil Lord Farquaad is portrayed by Grade 10 student (and Broadway Bound triple threat) Tren Wallace — the brother of Centennial alumna Roan Wallace, who in 2011 starred as Jojo in Seussical: The Musical, the last time Centennial secondary presented a show that was suitable for viewers of all ages, Boddez said.
• Shrek: The Musical runs from Feb. 4 to 6 and Feb. 11 to 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Centennial secondary school (570 Poirier St., Coquitlam). Tickets can be bought online via shrekcentennial.eventbrite.ca. Seating is general admission.
jwarren@tricitynews.com
@jwarrenTC
