NNEC presents Shrek the Musical

NEW GLASGOW — The magic of Shrek is coming to Pictou County.

Next week North Nova Education Centre students will present Shrek the Musical, a story of acceptance and love that celebrates being different.

Shrek the Musical brings to life all the beloved characters from the 2001 Dreamworks film, while adding uplifting music, dance sequences and heartwarming humour.

Shrek the Musical marks the first full musical production on the North Nova stage since 2019.

“It's a long time for these students who in a normal span of their high school years would have had many opportunities to participate in a show,” said Sheila Aucoin, director.

Shrek is a perfect musical for a return to the stage because it provides opportunities for a large cast. Aucoin said there are about 60 cast members, but there are also about 40 more students involved with costumes, orchestra and stage crew.

The leads began working on their lines and music over the summer and the rest joined in once school started in September.

“It's been pretty high gear since since the school year began,” Aucoin said.

They did miss some time during (ironically enough) Fiona the hurricane.

“Students really weathered that quite well. I know there were many living room rehearsals happening that week keeping them on track.”

While the acting and singing portions are coming along well, Aucoin is also excited about the costumes that they have for this year's performance.

“When we decided to do this show, we really wanted to make sure that we were bringing the land of Shrek alive because people have expectations, you know, they've seen the film. And so we got creative and reached out to other schools who have done the show and to Neptune Theatre who did it many years ago.”

She said the Neptune Theatre costumes are particularly high quality.

Annika Murray plays the role of Fiona in the musical and said she is excited for the chance to take part particularly since so much time was missed during COVID.

She believes the musical has an important message.

“I think it's a really positive message about inclusivity and acceptance and showing everyone's individuality. At the end Shrek talks about fairytales needing to be updated and then also beautiful ain't always pretty. It's just good messaging for youth and for adults too.”

Cameron Boulter will be playing the role of Shrek.

“It’s just fun to be on stage again,” he said. “Two years have been quite hard on music in general and being able to put a musical together, especially with this cast of people, it's been incredible.”

Eastyn Cameron makes his debut in acting with this musical playing the role of Donkey.

“This is my first time doing anything like this,” he said. “I've never been in the musical before. I've always just been in the school choir.”

He said he is really looking forward to challenging himself.

The musical will be showing from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4 at NNEC’s Presentation Centre stage. Thursday through Saturay’s shows will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday’s show will be at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.

Tickets are available at the NNEC office weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or in the NNEC foyer Saturdays 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For ticket reservations please phone: (902) 755