Shrek takes on Shakespeare in an upcoming Old Rochester play
Junior Charlotte Cook and seniors Zach Riggs, Logan Hart-Bonville, Keith Cavanaugh and Calder Eaton pose in their costumes. Photos by Grace Ann Natanawan
Junior Charlotte Cook and seniors Zach Riggs, Logan Hart-Bonville, Keith Cavanaugh and Calder Eaton get in character to pose for photos.
Junior Charlotte Cook and seniors Zach Riggs, Logan Hart-Bonville, Keith Cavanaugh and Calder Eaton pose in their costumes. Photos by Grace Ann Natanawan
Junior Charlotte Cook and seniors Zach Riggs, Logan Hart-Bonville, Keith Cavanaugh and Calder Eaton get in character to pose for photos.
MATTAPOISETT — Shrek ventures outside his swamp and journeys into the world of Shakespeare in an upcoming Old Rochester Regional High School production of “Shrek’s Shakespearean Adventure.”
Written by English teacher Kathleen Brunelle, the play showcases Shrek and his friends wandering through various scenes from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Henry V,” “Macbeth” and “Twelfth Night.” All the actors and production crew are students in her theatre elective class.
Senior Calder Eaton of Mattapoisett plays the role of fighting feline Puss in Boots.
“I’ve had to get out of my comfort zone to be a more goofy character,” he said. “Rather than being in a drama show [and] being more serious, you really have to let go [and] not take it too seriously.”
Junior Charlotte Cook of Marion plays Princess Fiona and said her biggest challenge was getting into character.
“I definitely had to get out of my comfort zone to be more stern,” said Cook.
Brunelle has taught the theatre elective for 26 years. She originally put on straight-forward Shakespeare productions but pivoted to combining Shakespeare with popular movies such as “Back to the Future,” “Barbie” and “Harry Potter” to provide more lead roles for students.
“Our plays are always very campy, very silly, very laid back because we work with a relatively small budget,” she said.
This year’s production received grants from Cape Cod 5 and the Marion and Mattapoisett Cultural Councils, which helped with costuming and prop budgets.
Brunelle emphasized that she wants the students to have fun while participating in the production.
Following tradition, each production features a far-out 70s dance number and seniors step into the spotlight during the show, acting out individualized Shakespearean scenes.
“I want them to be able to have a good time on the stage. I want it to be a break in their day where they can have fun,” she said.
The performance will take place on Thursday, May 22 at 7 p.m., with $5 tickets available at the door.
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