Whitehall High School Theatre students recently wrapped up filming the performance of this year’s spring comedy, “Shrek the Musical,” based on DreamWorks Animation’s popular film series. In preparation, dedicated cast members rehearsed every day after school since February.

According to Edward Hong, WHS choir and theater director, “Strek the Musical” was filmed at Civic Theatre of Allentown May 8-10, and all Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention and state guidelines for large gatherings were followed. Live audiences were not permitted to watch the filming, and students wore masks.

Last year’s spring musical, “Cinderella,” was canceled due to COVID-19, after the students had spent months practicing. In November of 2020, the group recorded “Game of Tiaras,” a one-act play by filming individual student’s performances and piecing them together. Renovations in the high school auditorium prevented students from using the stage.

Hong selected “Strek the Musical” for the 2021 spring production, stating, “This is a great family show with a wonderful message about acceptance.”

Since the auditorium was still undergoing renovations, students rehearsed in the hallways, choir and band rooms and gymnasium, outside and in any other available space. The cast followed the National Federation of State High School Associations’ guidance for musical rehearsals. The rules stated performers could sing for 30 minutes and take either a 20-minute break or continue in a different location to allow for “aerosol dispersion.”

Guidelines were more difficult for the musical than the play, since there was singing and dancing involved. Fortunately, Hong had music director Kendra Kramer and choreographer Melissa Zimmer to assist. Students rehearsed outside as frequently as possible when the weather improved.

The ability to work together on the musical helped create a level of normalcy for students during a difficult school year.

“Our spring musical productions always create a special bond amongst the cast. They have their inside jokes and traditions, but more importantly, they’re learning to support and rely on one another,” Hong said. “Despite having missed out on so many things this year, the entire cast and crew have such a high level of commitment to the show and are starting to create their own theater family.”

Cast members, roles and grade levels include Lucas Hetherington, Shrek, 11th; Maci Pollitt, Fiona, 11th; Marquett Ferrell, Donkey, 11th; Zachary Ringenberger, Farquaad, 12th; Ethan Hartner, Pinnochio, 12th; Katherine Coughlin, Dragon, 10th; Mackenzie Gier, Sugar Plum Fairy/Gingy, 12th; Daylin Ryer, Mama Ogre/Mama Bear, 10th; Brianna Minnich, Elf/Grumpy, 12th; Giovanni Failla, King/Big Bad Wolf/Pied Piper, 11th; Angelina Cascioli, Queen/Little Red Riding Hood, 10th; Caleb Flannery, Papa Ogre, 10th; Mackenzie O’Donnell, Peter Pan, ninth; Electra Theagene, Ugly Duckling, 10th; Aubrey Denofa, Witch, 11th; Kathleen Bringenberg, Fairy Godmother, ninth; Jose Santos de Araujo, Mad Hatter, 11th; Vincent Lavery, Papa Bear, ninth; and Lindsay Seyfried, Baby Bear, ninth. The Three Little Pigs include Flannery; Shaleke Jackson, 12th; and Kenneth Guerro, 10th. The Three Blind Mice include Coughlin; Syenna Young, 10th; and Alana White, ninth.

“Shrek the Musical” will be streamed 7 p.m. May 28 and 29. The website and ticket information can be found at showtix4u.com/events/whitehalltheater.

Tickets are $10 per device, with a service fee of $2.89, and are delivered via email. Donations are greatly appreciated.