Niwot High School's upcoming production of "Shrek The Musical"

Niwot High School produces a much anticipated musical production each year. Under the direction of drama teacher Amanda Foust, students have spent the last three months preparing for the upcoming performances of "Shrek The Musical."

Not only are the actors preparing for the performances, but technical theater teacher, Jason Watkins, and his crew of technical theater students have been working tirelessly to create a beautiful set. Impressive set pieces will be featured including a bridge built over the orchestra pit, which will be open throughout the show, and the familiar Princess Fiona's tower.

"Shrek The Musical" is a show that follows the classic character of Shrek the Ogre and his adventures alongside a talking donkey, a princess, a dragon, a gingerbread man, and other various fairytale creatures. With musical numbers choreographed by NHS English teacher Ashley Mouw, "Shrek the Musical" is a lively production that is entertaining to people of any age.

The talented cast of students features freshmen to seniors. Senior Fred Zorgdrager portrays the lead character, Shrek. Zorgdrager featured prominently in last year's production of "Beauty and The Beast," and in the most recent Niwot production of "Puffs."

Senior Sophie Arnett-Simon, who has been involved in a large number of Niwot theater productions, will be playing the role of Princess Fiona. Not only is Arnett-Simon in the show, she is also the Student Music Director and has been aiding the cast in learning their music during Choir Director Laura Walters' temporary absence.

Student directors Mimi Archibold (Head Student Director), Rori Ann Barchers (Acting Director), Aiden Sagner (Dance Director), Greta Stauch (Assistant Music Director), Pali Sauer (Social Media Director), and Sophie Arnett-Simon (Head Music Director) have worked hard alongside Director Foust to bring this production to life. Anna Archibold and Grace Ruth have been integral with costumes and makeup. All of the students involved in the musical are also balancing their normal schoolwork.

Student Dance Director Sagner is playing the lead role of Donkey. He has been involved in Niwot theater throughout his four years at NHS. He played the role of Maurice in last year's NHS musical production of "Beauty and the Beast."

Student Acting Director Barchers plays one of the three pigs, a featured guard, and is the understudy for Pinochio. She is heavily involved in Niwot theater and has become a vital piece of the program.

Sauer, a sophomore, has participated in every NHS production over the past two years. She is currently playing Fairy Godmother as well as a featured dancer.

Despite Stauch, Assistant Musical Director, not having a role in the show, she has done an incredible job overseeing the production and working alongside Arnett-Simon to bring it to life.

"It's honestly some of the most fun I've ever had. Everyone else is just so incredibly talented and makes me want to get better because I want to live up to them," said junior Grace DeRose who will be playing Teen Fiona, Flora, Gingy (Gingerbread Man), and Sugar Plum Fairy. DeRose is not only playing a lead role, but she is also a featured dancer in many musical numbers.

There will be a total of six shows. Four shows will feature the regular cast, and two shows will feature the small group of understudies. The shows will be held on April 11, 12, 18, 19, and 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Niwot High School auditorium and there will be an 11:00 a.m. performance on Saturday, April 13.

Cast members include Fred Zorgdrager, Aiden Sagner, Sophie Arnett-Simon, Jasper Allison, Merrick Blondeau, Prugh Dunfee, Hazel Rinehart, Rori Ann Barchers, Mimi Archibold, Grace DeRose, Kennah Brackett, Maddox Wilson, Ash Kissinger, River Osgood, Anna Enssle, Natalie Fitches, Gabby Gravelle, Kate Nelson, Jocelyn Lara Serrano, Micah McGhee, Ollie O'Brien, Vi Sparks, Pali Sauer, Valentina Godat, Ali Kraut, Olivia DeRose, James Miller, Camryn Bell, Audrey Owen, Jade West, Miriam Lakein, Sydney Torchalski, Reagan Lachky, Olivia Cesar Cipriani, Cas Clark, Elliot DeBusk, Elyse Prestopnik, Kaz Fowler, Finley Richardson, Tayler Studebaker, and Arnie Zorgdrager.

Instagram (@niwot.theater) will provide links to purchase tickets and details regarding "Shrek The Musical" show dates.