The Edmonton Journal is proud to host reviews of local high school theatrical productions, written by student reviewers through the Alberta Youth Theatre Collective. This review covers Morinville Community High School's production of Shrek the Musical.
Swamps, Sparkles, and Standout Performances
Maxime Morin from Strathcona High School writes: Morinville Community High School's production of Shrek the Musical was nothing short of magical. From the moment the lights came up, the cast and crew completely immersed the audience in their world. It felt less like a high school production and more like stepping directly into the chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt fairy tale swamp of Duloc. I found myself smiling throughout, laughing out loud with the audience, and audibly reacting to scenes as the story unfolded. There was such a genuine sense of joy radiating from the stage that it became impossible not to be swept up in it.
Characterization and Standout Roles
What stood out most was the level of characterization across the entire cast. Every performer committed fully to their role, creating a world packed with personality and charm. Drew Kolotyluk as Shrek and Aidin Farough as Lord Farquaad were especially unforgettable. Kolotyluk brought incredible emotional sincerity to Shrek while maintaining the iconic accent and comedic timing. Farough absolutely stole scenes with a hilariously over-the-top yet nuanced Farquaad. Both performers balanced strong vocals with genuinely engaging acting, making even the funniest moments feel grounded and real.
Portrayal of Fiona
Another major highlight was the portrayal of Fiona throughout the show. Braelyn Allain, Lauren Andrews, and Abrielle Hughes each brought something unique and memorable to the role, creating three versions of Fiona that still felt completely connected. Their performances captured Fiona's growth beautifully while giving each stage of her life its own personality. Andrews especially made dynamic and unexpected choices that made her performance feel fresh, layered, and incredibly exciting to watch.
Production Design and Costumes
The production design was equally impressive. For a cast and crew of around 43 people to create over 80 costumes entirely by themselves is genuinely unbelievable. Every piece felt detailed, creative, and full of life. Whether it was Dragon's sparkling gown, the Mad Hatter's giant hat and pigtails, or the countless fairy tale creature designs, the costumes completely transported the audience into the fantasy world. The amount of craftsmanship and effort behind the scenes was impossible to ignore.
Heart and Passion
What makes this production so memorable is the heart behind it. Every moment felt fueled by passion, creativity, and a clear love for theatre. Morinville Community High School didn't just put on a musical; they created an experience that stuck with the audience long after the curtain call. This is absolutely a show that will stay with me, and I genuinely cannot wait to see what Morinville continues to do next.
Reframing the 'Other'
Hunter Lafleur from M.E. LaZerte High School adds: Fairy tales fracture and reform under guidance from misfits. Morinville Community High School's Shrek the Musical, written by David Lindsay-Albaire and beautifully directed by Vanessa King, morphs the stage into a vibrant world where outsiders and insiders collide, blurring the boundary between exclusion and belonging.
