Students representing the breadth and scope of Oak Knoll’s Fine Arts department have joined forces to stage the Broadway hit “Shrek The Musical!” With professional choreography and sound design, the joyous fairytale will feature students from Oak Knoll’s choral, dance, theatric, and tech theater disciplines, bringing the colorful tale to life. The show will be performed in the Mother Mary Campion Center for the Performing Arts from February 22-24, 2024, with 7 p.m. performances on Thursday and Friday evenings and a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. General admission is $15. Purchase tickets at oakknoll.simpletix.com.

Shrek the Musical breaks away from your typical fairy tale. There is no charming prince, no damsel in distress. Instead, our hero is a gruff ogre. Amid big green horns, donkeys, dragons, swamps, and talking gingerbread cookies lies a story of love, friendship, and self-acceptance. It challenges our fairy-tale fantasies, prompting us to rethink our preconceptions.

Lillie Ricciardi, Oak Knoll’s Arts Department Chair, Theater Teacher, and the musical’s Director, sought a dynamic spring musical to complement Oak Knoll’s all-girl program. “Shrek, initially keeping to himself, learns to open up and build meaningful relationships,” she related. “Fiona and other fairytale characters struggle for self-acceptance, dealing with societal expectations and the pressure to fit in. Our girls have gracefully explored these themes, confidently embodying every character.”

Adeola Adebiyi ’24 of West Orange takes on the lead role of Shrek with principal roles performed by Alex Huegel ’25 of Essex Fells (Fiona), Penelope Muirhead ’26 of Basking Ridge (Donkey), Grace Ritter ’25 of Chatham (Lord Farquaad), Emelia Exton ’24 of Summit (Dragon), and Lauren McPhail ’25 of Montville (Pinocchio). 

The show features an expert set and sound design and a professional accompanying band. Students have been preparing for this production since November of 2023 and are thrilled to bring the results of their talent and hard work to the Summit community.

“I’m thrilled to be part of this incredible production,” said Adebiyi. “I love playing the character of Shrek. I have been singing choral music for as long as I can remember, and I want to congratulate the entire cast and crew.”

In addition to fine tap dance routines, puppetry, fabulous hair, and makeup, the show features a giant dragon with an articulating jaw. Don’t miss “Shrek the Musical!” at Oak Knoll School’s Mother Mary Campion Center for the Performing Arts between February 22 and 24. Purchase your tickets now.