Studio West Dance is getting set to bring Shrek The Musical Jr. to life this weekend at Ladner’s Genesis Theatre.
Directed and choreographed by Jyla Davis and Nicol Spinola, the production has 40 in the cast ranging in age from seven to 18.
Music is under the direction of Chris Davis with set design by Kathy Morrison and her stage craft class at Delta Secondary.
“We chose this production because it has a great message for kids: acceptance of everyone know matter what they look like,” said Davis. “It’s funny. Everyone knows Shrek, so to see it live on stage we thought it would be a fun show for people to see. It takes a village to do this kind of stuff. With set, lighting, sound, vocal and dancing rehearsals and then getting the audience to come out and support.”
Spinola said preparations began a year ago with auditions throughout the summer and rehearsals starting in September.
This is the fourth year that Morrison and her students have created the set for the Studio West Dance productions.
“The great thing about her is that she approaches things in such a professional manner, so the kids are really getting a good look at what it would be like to work in a professional environment with set building,” said Spinola. “It’s good for our students as well to see the detail and the depth of what she goes into creating our musicals.”
The excitement is building among the cast and crew as opening day nears.
“This is the time where everything comes together. Now we see everything – the sets and the costumes,” said Spinola. “I think what is fun for us as teachers is to see the excitement that it brings the kids. Rehearsals can be tedious at times and the students can’t really see the end goal, and now we are entering that phase where they get to see that end goal and that’s what really excites them, so for us we get to enjoy all the work they have been doing. I think it’s a great show and I’m excited for it to open.”
Daytime shows will be held Thursday and Friday for elementary school students with full public performances on Friday, March 8 at 7 p.m. as well as Saturday, March 9 at 1 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available online at studiowestdance.ca. Seating is limited.
