Dartmouth High Theater Co. prepares for Shrek The Musical
Apr 27, 2022
Dartmouth High Theater Company actors rehearse one of their songs, titled “Story of my Life.” Photos by: Morgan Beard
Co-Director Shirley Byers shows off the bishop’s costume in the theaters cramped dressing room. Byers said the room has to double as a storage room for props and costumes, in addition to being a dressing room for the entire cast.
Senior Grace Rose, who plays Pinocchio, said she’s been working hard to nail the character’s iconic voice and movements. “I have to be wicked rigid,” she said, “and the voice is definitely interesting — I’ve been working on that the entire time.”
Students paint a horse prop.
Senior Olivia Ustinovich, who plays Princess Fiona in the show, leads the group of actors as they rehearse “Morning Person” a tap dance number.
Musicals have (p)layers.
The Dartmouth High Theater Company is just a couple of weeks away from the opening of “Shrek The Musical,” the troupe’s first live, open-to-the-public musical since 2019.
Shirley Byers, who is co-directing the musical, said everyone involved in the production is thrilled to be back in-person for the theater company’s 10th year.
“We’re so excited to be able to feel that energy from a live audience,” she said. “The hardest thing with a virtual performance is not having that audience reaction.”
Senior Olivia Ustinovich, who plays Princess Fiona in the show, echoed Byers’ sentiments.
“I love performing for audiences,” she said. “It just gives you that drive to keep going.”
Byers said the musical follows almost the same plot line as the first Shrek movie and features all the same ironic humor.
“This show is definitely a lot of fun,” said senior Gabby Reardon, who plays Donkey. “It’s silly and funny and everything you’d expect it to be.”
Reardon said that the spring musical is always a highlight of the year for students in the theater program.
“Our musicals are always fun,” she said, calling them the “big thing” at the end of the year. “Everyone always looks forward to them.”
The musical’s lead and title character will be played by freshman Mason Langlois, who said he was excited to take on the role even though it was “a little scary at first.”
“I’m glad I got the role,” he said, adding that he has a natural appreciation for the character’s sense of humor. “I like sarcastic humor so that’s kinda like my zone.”
Langlois said everyone involved in the performance was hard at work to make it the best it can be.
“Everyone in the show is absolutely fantastic,” he said. “They’re all putting in their best efforts. It’s going to be amazing.”
Performances will be held on May 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. and on May 7 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. For reservations, call (508)264-4279 or visit the theater company website at DHSTheaterCo.com
