Merrifield Preparatory School and College takes to the Guild Theatre stage from today for a heartwarming and hilarious production of Shrek: The Musical.
Based on the beloved DreamWorks film, Shrek, the show is packed with laughter and heart and uses comedy to remind audiences about the power of true friendship and self-acceptance.
The central character, Shrek, embarks on a quest to reclaim his swamp and along the way he meets Donkey, rescues Princess Fiona, and ultimately finds love and friendship.
In this production presented by Merrifield, Shrek is played by Eoin Mac Kriel, hilarious Donkey by Othandwayo Maqula, Princess Fiona by Charissa Mac Kriel and Inathi Tofa and Lord Farquaad by Avuzwa Cekiso. The production is directed and choreographed by Merrifield’s arts, culture and music titans, Marc Williams and Nathan Johannisen.
Williams believes Shrek is a modern classic because it replicates the heroes’ journey towards love, for others and self.
Williams said: “The story of Shrek resonates with a postmodern society because it contains the childlike innocence of a fairy tale and imparts the message that no matter what you look like, no matter how the world sees you, each of us is unique and beautiful in our own way.
“There is a line in the last song in the play that says, ‘Beautiful ain’t always pretty’ and this means we don’t have to conform to the world’s beauty standards in order to see ourselves as beautiful.
“The scriptwriter and music composer have added great additions to the original story but the play is the good old-fashioned story of Shrek.”
Avuzwa, 17, who plays Lord Faquaard, said he most enjoyed swapping his naturally good humoured nature for the delightfully wicked role.
He said: “The rehearsals have been great. My character is a big personality in a tiny body and playing him gives me an opportunity to see what life is like from his perspective.”
Bringing boundless energy and comic timing, Othandwayo, 16, shines as Donkey.
“The most interesting part about my character is the funny lines and the high energy he brings to the stage but I have definitely been stretched out of my comfort zone leading most of the musical numbers.”
Tickets for the show which runs until August 16 at the Guild Theatre are available at Computicket or Checkers for R120 for pupils and R150 for adults.
