The voices that make the movie Shrek are incredibly iconic. For the musical of something so beloved, what is the cast doing to prepare for such high expectations? 

In a recent interview with Drake Perez, the voice of the antagonist, Lord Farquaad, he gave insight into what his experience has been. Preparing for such a large production and role, what he does to help get his mind in the right space before the curtains rise. 

“I would say what I do to prepare for show week would be staying in the right headspace and remembering to leave any problems at the door when going into rehearsal because it’ll only bring the environment down,” Perez said.

A very good process to make sure he’s doing and feeling good, and trying to keep everyone else happy. But what all goes into these rehearsals? 

“During rehearsals for Shrek, it’s a little special because it’s usually only one week, but because of how choreo-heavy the show is, it was turned into three weeks straight. Basically, the entire month of January, where we were there four hours a day, just doing choreography and learning the show,” Perez said. 

Who is helping with such a choreo-heavy show, and what are the qualifications of this helper? Will Gutteridge gave some insight as he’s playing multiple roles and has to learn different parts all at once. 

“It’s the adult lead for the actors, Christopher Lengerich, referred to by the cast as Topher, who handles choreography. He basically flies in from wherever he is like a cruise line teaching those people how to dance. So he flies in for a few weeks, and he likes to choreograph all our numbers. He’s very essential to the process of making our musicals here,” Guttridge said  

Jonah Bryant who plays Shrek, the mean green ogre who just wants to be left alone, shared his experience getting cast for another large role. 

“The last lead was when I played the baker in, Into the Woods. So I’m glad I’ve gotten to step up my skills forms last time, and it’s cool that I have the opportunity to play Shrek now of all times, vs any other time in my high school career because it’s when I’ve refined my skills the most and also working with an accent coach to perfect the Scottish accent.” 

And with that the performance is happening on February 26-28 in the PAC and you can buy tickets at booktix/frhs.com to support the cast and crew.