Opening Night: Shrek Dazzles Branford Crowd

“Shrek,” the fictional ogre character by American author William Steig came to Branford this week in the form of a play by the same name. From all indications, the performance dazzled the mixed crowd of adults and children.

“We lit up the theater tonight” (known as the Cathyann Roding Auditorium), said play Director Colin Sheehan. It was packed because Wednesday performance was cancelled because of the weather. Many people with tickets exchanged them for other performances.There are performances tonight and tomorrow.

“We were very disappointed that we had to cancel Wednesday’s Opening Night,” Sheehan said. The cast was looking forward to a big crowd Wednesday but we got it on Thursday anyways so they were happy with the reception then.” Here is Pinocchio played by senior Michael Hoadley..

Shrek, played by charismatic senior Logan Distasio, portrays the large, green, physically intimidating ogre with a Scottish accent. In the beginning, a younger Shrek is sent away by his parents because it was an ogre tradition to do so. 

He is seen traveling alone, either being screamed at or teased by passers-by. The only time he receives a pleasant greeting is from the young Fiona who is promptly led away by her parents. In the play, Fiona (pictured) is played by talented senior Maddie Oberempt.

After scaring away an angry mob, Shrek arrives at his swamp, enters an outhouse and then literally breaks out as the adult Shrek. Shrek is peaceful and does not want to hurt anyone; he just wants to live in solitude and be left alone.

Shrek is accompanied by ​“Donkey,” portrayed by quick witted sophomore Dylan Campos, an excitable and hyperactive talking donkey who is Shrek’s friend and confidant.

Shrek, who falls in love with Princess Fiona, is hired by the Lord Farquaad (pictured) played by junior Adam Jackson, to rescue her. The character Farquaad is a dwarf in the play and Jackson does a masterful job roaming all over the stage on his knees in a costume made for the role.

The three Little Pigs were portrayed by Saura Malehiazar, Ben Clouse and Bobbie Olejarczyk..

The three Blind Mice were played by Amieie Parczany, Mary-Beth Nwagboli and Lexi Mascaro.

Of course there is surprise. Here the Bishop played by freshman Kyle Bissell gets ready to marry Fiona and Farquaad

And the wedding scenes, well, they were emotional.

And a happy ending.

The evening is very vibrant and alive with the music played by a professional orchestra. Here cast members break out into a dance.

Here is part of the orchestra during a break in the rehearsal.

The entire cast is dressed in bright and colorful costumes while portraying the enthusiastic characters in the play. You will have to attend the play to see the colorful ending. Here they are at the end of a dress rehearsal.

Here co-producers Barbara Barrington and Scot Towers during intermission.

And last but not least, the stage crew gets some recognition.

Understudies for the lead roles who performed in the Saturday matinee include sophomore Ben Clouse (Shrek) and freshman Alina Catania (Fiona).

There are two performances on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. with the last performance on Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets for adults are $18 and for students and seniors are $15.

It’s worth seeing.

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