Rehearsals have started for 'Shrek: The Musical'
It's a year later than planned, but the Chester High School production of "Shrek: The Musical" is back on track and the curtain will open April 29 at CHS Juergens Gymnasium stage.
It was a year ago that the production was just two days away from opening when the COVID-19 pandemic closed down schools and everything associated with them. For a year, CHS Theater Director Brenda Coop and company have been anxiously awaiting the day when rehearsals could return.
"I am so excited," Coop said.
She reports that about 15 of last year's seniors will not be returning to the 2021 cast. Those roles have either been recast or multicasted to other current cast members.
Now, rehearsals are underway. "We are back on track, with masks and social distancing, and we are going to be able to open the show April 29 with limited seating," Coop said. To accommodate more audience, they have added an extra weekend. The show weekends are April 29-May 2 and May 7-9.
Coop is asking everyone who had tickets to the 2020 show to text her at (618) 443-8316 ASAP to arrange to have those tickets replaced with this year's tickets. She said it is essential to know the following:
• Your name
• The date your "old" tickets were for, and the section, row and seats. • What shows you want to attend this year.
If it is not possible to text Coop, she can also be reached by Facebook messenger at "Brenda Coop" or via email at brendacoop@chester139.com.
Beginning April 6, replacement tickets will be available for pickup. Anyone holding tickets who cannot attend this year, should let he know so those seats can be resold.
Moreover, there will be a Kid's theater Camp this year. Children who registered for last year's Kids Camp are invited to attend this year's Kid's Camp, but no new registrations can be taken. Children who are signed up but do not plan to attend are asked to let Coop know.
Tickets
At this time, only tickets from last year will be honored for this year's show, as COVID-19 restriction do not allow for additional seating. However, if restrictions are further loosened, more seats will be sold. You can get your name on a waiting list by contacting Brenda Coop.