Ask Needham resident Chloe Savit why she is excited to be playing “Fiona” in Weston Drama Workshop’s production of Shrek this season, and she has so many reasons. First and foremost, she loves the community. She enjoys spending her summer days with other young actors who share her passion for theater. One of those kids is Matt Lorence, also a Needham resident. Matt plays the role of the grumpy ogre Shrek who eventually falls in love with Princess Fiona. Together, Chloe and Matt are taking their interest in performing arts to a new level. As students at Pollard Middle School in Needham this year, they became interested in musical theater and were inspired to audition for Shrek because of the quality of the productions and the inspiring leadership of the staff. Chloe points out that “she loves how the directors, producers, choreographers and technical staff are completely committed to the teaching performing arts while also role modeling what it means to pursue a career in theater.” WDW is a truly unique program.
Danny Sullivan, Director for Shrek comments on how well this show is coming together, thanks to the talent and dedication of these young actors. "We have middle schoolers tackling very difficult choreography and singing intricate harmonies. Yet, at every rehearsal these kids have stepped up to the plate, and hit it out of the park." says Sullivan. Drama Workshop's SHREK has a cast of 50 members. This large ensemble is different than most you will see on stage because each person is a unique fairytale creature. Sullivan says, "The actors have been able to think about each of their characters so they can bring them alive on stage." Audience members will laugh along to hijinks by Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man, the Three Blind Mice, and even the Cow who jumped over the moon! Needham residents Roisin Chatterton and Alison Biedron are among the talented characters that bring this fairytale kingdom to life.
If you'd like watch the ogre Shrek win the heart of the feisty princess Fiona, then come to Regis College July 20th at 10:30 am, July 22nd at 7pm, July 23rd at 7pm, July 25th at 10:30 am or July 27th at 10:30am.
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Weston Drama Workshop is putting on 4 more full-length productions including ALMOST, MAINE, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, Blood Brothers, and James and the Giant Peach from July 18th through the 27th. Tickets can be purchased at through the box office at 781- 768-7070 or from www.ticketstage.com. Adults $17, Children $12.
For more information on the season see the Weston Drama Workshop at www.westondramaworkshop.org.
