NEWS
Community School of Davidson’s High School Musical Branches Out to Make Everyone Feel Seen
This spring, Community School of Davidson’s high school musical is branching out to make everyone feel seen. Director Melissa Ohlman-Roberge selected Shrek The Musical as the spring show for Community School of Davidson (CSD) Art Space because she loves the message it delivers.
“There are so many people who don’t feel seen because they are other-bodied, other-abled, other-looking,” says Ohlman-Roberge, CSD’s upper school theatre arts educator/director. “That magical moment when Shrek and Fiona kiss, and he sees who she truly is and tells her she’s beautiful is my favorite part. I get tears in my eyes every time I see it.”
Based on the 2001 hit film, this comedic-laced musical flips the typical fairy tale script upside down, while delivering contagious music and thrilling dance numbers along the way. In this happy ending, the prince doesn’t get the girl; donkeys and dragons date; beautiful princesses come in all shapes, sizes, and colors; and everyone learns to be proud of letting their freak flag fly.
Ohlman-Roberge opened casting to Community of Davidson’s elementary and middle school, as well as home-schooled students, in an effort bring younger students into theatre. “The pandemic had such an impact not just on the arts at CSD, but everywhere,” she says, adding that the cast and crew for the show totals almost 60 and features several sets of siblings.
“This show has a beautiful way of revealing how being normal is overrated,” explains Ohlman-Roberge. “This show lets everyone know that they are enough.”
Shrek The Musical runs March 23 through April 2 at Community School of Davidson Art Space at 404 Armour Street in Davidson. Tickets can be purchased at this link.