Severna Park High School To Perform “Shrek The Musical”

Coming into the new school year, the Severna Park High School drama department had new leadership with program director Trevor Greenfield. With a program that is “so strong and so beloved,” Greenfield hopes to build upon the momentum of the department with its latest production, “Shrek the Musical” from November 7-16. As always, the drama season begins with the fall musical, which is gaining anticipation from cast and crew members as opening night approaches.

Last year, Severna Park High School’s fall production was “Catch Me If You Can,” a musical geared toward more adult audiences. Greenfield’s goal with “Shrek” this year is to alternate productions to create a variety of art.

“Each year, we try to choose a show that contrasts with the previous season’s production,” Greenfield said. “We don’t want to do too many Disney or fantasy shows in a row, just like we don’t want to do too many ‘based on a true story’ shows. It’s all about keeping things fresh and exciting for both the students and the audience.”

“Shrek the Musical” is a heavy logistics show with many complicated set pieces and makeup, which has proven to be a challenge and a reward for those involved. This production boasts massive sets, heavy prosthetics and an all-student orchestra with 18 musicians. In addition to serving as program director, Greenfield is conducting the pit orchestra.

“Directing ‘Shrek’ has been such a joyful and creative experience. The process is full of laughter, imagination and collaboration — and this cast has truly brought so much heart to the story,” said Kylie Sjolie, Severna Park’s ‘Shrek the Musical’ director. “One of the biggest challenges with a show like ‘Shrek’ is the scale of it — there are so many moving pieces, from the big musical numbers to the elaborate sets and costumes. But that’s also what makes it so rewarding.”

As opening night approaches, the cast is working hard to ensure that they are ready. This difficult work is not met without excitement, as senior Reagan Scott explained. She plays Princess Fiona in the musical, alongside junior Owen Panitz, who plays Shrek.

“I think really just being able to be part of this community for one last time, with such a great role,” Scott said regarding her favorite part of being in the musical. “‘Shrek’ is such a classic movie and being able to know that kids are going to come and be like, ‘Oh, I love this movie. I love this character. Like, I love you now,’ it's going to be really rewarding in a way.”

Since the show is character-driven and has already amassed a large fanbase of former children who grew up with the films, it gives the performers at Severna Park High School a chance to portray new roles.

“This is by far my favorite role I've ever done before,” Panitz said. “Just because it's different, and also, I love just the unique songs that we sing in the show, and I love everything about ‘Shrek’ in general.”

The drama department welcomes families to Shrek Fest on November 2. The event serves as a character meet-and-greet where children can complete a variety of activities, such as crafts and games, with the characters Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and Lord Farquaad.

While standards are set high for Severna Park High School productions, shows are also about fostering a sense of community between everyone involved, which makes the experience even more enjoyable.

“Every day brings something new to learn, and I see it as an incredible blessing,” Greenfield said. “I constantly remind our creative team and students how fortunate we are to do what we love — especially in a community with such amazing support. I’m continually impressed by how our students treat one another and collaborate with the creative team. That sense of community is something I’m very proud to nurture.”