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A sneak peek at Little Women

24 Apr

Holy cow, does Webster Schroeder High School have some amazingly talented actors.

I’ve long known that was the case, and have remarked on that before here in my blog. But Wednesday evening I was reminded of that again when I was invited to sit in on the final dress rehearsal for Schroeder Drama Club’s presentation of Little Women, which will take the stage this weekend, April 24 to 27.

Set in the years following the Civil War, Little Women is Louisa May Alcott’s American classic, a story about family and love, success and heartache which draws heavily from Alcott’s actual life story. It opened on Broadway in 2005 as a musical and ran for 137 performances before heading out on a national tour.

The 22-student cast, led by Veronica Sanberg as Jo, does an exceptional job telling the story of the Marches, a not-too-poor-but-definitely-not-wealthy family, how they find joy in simply being together, and how they appreciate the things they have rather than long for the things they can’t afford. Our hearts are lifted when the sisters get married, and are saddened when a life is taken. (I’m not sniffling, you are.) There was even a point in the dialogue where I LOL’d. And this is a drama.

The performance was captivating, and I can say that because I was … well … captivated throughout the entire production. This coming from someone who has never read Little Women, and had no idea what it was about. I was a little afraid that, as a period piece, it might be kind of dull. But when intermission rolled around, I found myself hoping against hope it wasn’t the end of the show so I could find out what happened to these young women.

I was especially impressed by the four sisters — portrayed by Veronica Sanberg, Emily Schiffhauer, Kathryn Sullo and JimmaLy Ortega — who did an exceptional job instilling each character with an individual personality. And it’s always a joy to see Schroeder’s other amazing lead and supporting actors return to the stage. (How do they have the time to participate in back-to-back productions?) And they’re all supported by seven equally talented tech crew members, who did a great job making the dress rehearsal go seamlessly.

The set design is charming, the costumes beautiful. Schroeder’s Little Women is a must-see event.

Check out these photos (including the slideshow above) then check out one of the performances for yourself. Little Women will take the stage Thursday, Friday and Saturday April 24 to 27 at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday April 27. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased in advance here.

Webster Schroeder High School is located at 875 Ridge RD.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/24/2024)

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WCSD music teacher wins RPO’s Outstanding Music Educator award

22 Apr

Congratulations to Webster Schroeder music teacher Kim Derse, who was recently recognized by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) with its 2024 Outstanding Music Educator Award in the category of Instrumental Music ( Strings).

Derse has been with Webster School Distrtct since 1994, having previously served schools in Connecticut, and West Genesee and Baldwinsville, NY. She has a legacy of positively impacting generations of students, having taught every level of strings in the district, including working at four elementary schools and Spry Middle School before enjoying a long tenure at Webster Schroeder High School.

Outside of school, Derse has shared her love of music with the Webster Methodist Church as its Handbell Choir director for more than 15 years, and has performed with the Women’s Philharmonic Orchestra and numerous pit orchestras for theatrical productions. During her years teaching elementary strings, she also started a Suzuki program for early grades and taught summer lessons.

Each year, RPO opens nominations for outstanding music educators and professional musicians in the Rochester area to honor those who inspire. Derse was nominated for the award by Michael Roller, Webster’s Director of Fine Arts, and Webster Schroeder and Thomas music teacher Laura D’Angelo.

Derse will be honored at an awards ceremony on May 9 and join RPO Conductor Andreas Delfs on stage at the beginning of the Philharmonic’s concert that evening. (The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.; click here for tickets). She and Matthew Sherrill — from Fairport’s Minerva Deland School, who won in the category of Instrumental Music (Band) — will receive further accolades at the RPO Centennial Gala at the Riverside Convention Center on May 18.

This is not the first year, by the way, in which a Webster music teacher has been recognized by the RPO. Most recently, n 2017, Jeanne Coonan (then working at Spry Middle School) won the Instrumental Music Award for K-12 Band, and Al Heary (then working at Dewitt Elementary) won the Classroom Music Specialist Award.

That history is a testament to the quality of the Webster CSD music department, which, BY THE WAY, was once again this year named honored by the NAMM Foundation with the Best Communities for Music Education designation for its outstanding commitment to music education. This is the 19th time out of the 25-year award’s existence that Webster has received the honor.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/22/2024)

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Webster Montessori School shines bright at fundraiser

18 Apr

Bonus blog today about a great event coming up next weekend (April 27), but you have to get tickets by this Saturday.

It’s called A Roaring Night to Shine Bright, and it’s an exciting fundraiser for the Montessori School.

This annual fundraiser offers an incredible selection of silent and live auction items which range from restaurant gift cards and a crepe-making class to a Christmas Eve visit from Santa and a getaway at the Glen Iris Inn.

Other great items include:

Even those brand new to live auctions will have fun and be comfortable, as you’re led through the process by seasoned auctioneer David Mammano. Simply raise your bidder paddle when you’re ready to make a bid, and the auction team will keep you informed of the current highest bid and guide you through the bidding process.

A Roaring Night to Shine Bright will be held Saturday April 27 beginning at 5 p.m. at Evento East, located in BayTowne’s Street of Shoppes.

Tickets must be purchased by Saturday April 20. For more information and to get your seats, click here to visit the event page.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/18/2024)

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Webster Schroeder Theater Company will present Little Women

17 Apr

Little Women, the classic tale of love, loss, heartbreak and growing up, will come to the Webster Schroeder stage in four shows April 25 to 27.

Adapted by Thomas Hischak based on the book by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women follows the adventures of Jo (Veronica Sanberg), Meg (Emily Schiffhauer), Beth (Kathryn Sullo), and Amy March (JimmaLy Ortega) as they grow up in Civil War America. The beloved story of the March sisters is timeless and deals with issues as relevant today as when they were written. Click here to see the whole cast list.

The Webster Schroeder Theater Company will present Little Women on Thursday, Friday and Saturday April 25, 26 and 27 at 7 p.m., plus a matinee performance on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased on the Schroeder Theater Company website.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/17/2024)

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Another great Community Arts Day in the books

13 Apr

A thousand thank-yous to everyone who came by my table at Community Arts Day (CAD) on Saturday to say hi! I know of at least a few people who came to the event just to meet me (which was cool!) and several others who just happened upon it, with a “I LOVE your blog!” as they walked by. I might have even introduced it to a few who’d never heard of it before. Thank you all for your kind words.

I was delighted to be a part of CAD this year, which as you know is one of my favorite annual events. As always, it drew some really big crowds (I think the rainy, windy weather helped) and I was pleased to see a lot of people checking out the community agency displays and learning about local businesses and the services they provide. In particular, I always enjoy watching kids play with the vintage toys brought by the Webster Museum and try to dial a rotary phone.

If you and your family were able to spend some time there today, you know what a great time it is and were amazed by the pieces of artwork created by our very talented school children. If you couldn’t make it, no sweat. I got your back. Click here to see a really big gallery of photos, in which I tried to capture the wide variety of delightfulness that is Community Arts Day.

Congratulations to all of the organizers for another great event, and thank you to all of the volunteers that helped in hundreds of ways to make this year’s Community Arts Day another success.

Hope to see you all again next year!

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/13/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

12 Apr

There are several new events in today’s mailbag, plus reminders about a few things I’ve mentioned in previous mail bags, so let’s dig in …

WCSD absentee and early voter ballots available

Applications for absentee or early voter ballots for the Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election are now available.

Absentee ballots are for qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote, for reasons outlined on the absentee ballot application. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Absentee ballot applications are available at the school district website or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster.

Qualified voters of the district who may wish to use an early voter ballot May download one from the school district website or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster.

All absentee and early voter ballot applications must be RECEIVED by the district clerk at least seven business days prior to the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or the day before the vote if the ballot is to be picked up personally by the voter.

The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and Election of Board of Education Candidates takes place Tuesday, May 21, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road, Webster.

Got stuff to shred?

The Webster Chamber of Commerce will be partnering with Kinecta Federal Credit Union on Saturday April 20 for a Drive-up Shred Fest from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Safely dispose of sensitive and unwanted documents for free.

The event will take place at the Kinecta’s Webster Main Branch, 189 West Main St. Limit is 10 boxes per person, and while you can drop them off for free, a $1 donation per box is suggested to benefit Operation Freedom Ride. Click here for more details.

Webster Chamber of Commerce invites you

The Webster Chamber of Commerce would also like to invite any and all business owners to the next Monthly breakfast meeting, Friday April 26.

Network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders. In addition to networking before and during the breakfast, an informative program is always planned, along with a time to “pass-the-mic” so everyone has an opportunity to be visible. Visitors and members are welcome.

These meetings are always held at 7 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. Click here for more details about this month’s program and to register.

Fashion and fun, courtesy the Women’s Club of Webster

Fabulous food, fashions, fun, friendship, raffles and door prizes are on the menu for the 2024 Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show, Sunday May 19, sponsored by The Women’s Club of Webster.

In addition to the beautiful fashions on display, participants will enjoy a delicious luncheon, with choices of a crisp apple salad with shrimp, cheese, candied nuts, craisins and dressing; or chicken French with lemon sauce, linguine and green beans. Both choices include coffee and dessert.

The donation is $37.00 per person. Please mail your choice of entree, names of people you wish to sit with, and check payable to the Women’s Club of Webster to Laura Fawcett, 28 Wheatstone Circle, Fairport, NY 14450. Reservations are due by May 8. Net proceeds are donated to local charities.

The luncheon and fashion show will be held on Sunday May 19 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd., beginning at 11:30 a.m. Fashions will be presented by Chico’s. Questions can be directed to Laura at (585) 329-5317 or Bonnie Travis at (585) 671- 2345.

Also, this news from the Women’s Club of Webster: the ladies will be providing their famous cookies for the cookie table at the Red Cross blood drive, Saturday April 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd.

Appointments for the blood drive are not required. Donors should feel free to just drop in. For more information about the blood drive, please contact Katie Houtat 585-353-9964.

It’s all about the bees

The Webster Arboretum will present a fascinating program on Tuesday April 23 when longtime Webster beekeeper Mike Kopeki will answer the question, “The Queen Must Die and Drones Too …WHY? ”  

Mike will be joined by Kevin Gorman, who raises queen honeybees, and Amy Stringer, beekeeper and owner of the North Bee honey shop in the Village of Webster. The three presenters will discuss a variety of topics all about bees and beekeeping.  

No registration or fee is required. The program will begin at 7 p.m. Meet at the Curry Building at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Road.

WHEN will host spring Drug Take-Back event

Webster Health and Education Network, together with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall; look for the blue roof). Clear out your medicine cabinet to help to keep Webster safe. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car! 

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications.

Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. Learn more at Whendfcc.org

Special Needs Parent Resource Fair

The library will host a Special Needs Parent Resource Fair on Saturday April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. This is especially designed for parents, guardians or caregivers looking for more information about resources and opportunities in our community for children and adults with special needs. More than 50 agencies from all around Rochester are already signed up. Click here to see the list of participants. Registration is not required unless you’d like to be reminded of the event. Click here to register.  

If you’re an organization that would like to participate, please email jennifer.paxson@libraryweb.org.

Books, books books (and all really cheap!)

The Friends of the Webster Public Library‘s spring book sale is happening April 24 to 27, with all books priced 50 cents (paperbacks) or $1 (hardcovers).

The Friends Members Night will be April 24 from 4 to 7 p.m., with the general public sale from Thursday through Saturday. Bring your own bag on Friday or Saturday and fill it for just $5,

All proceeds will benefit the Webster Public Library.  

Chicken BBQ for dinner

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold a Drive Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 4 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.

Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.

The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or
check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

Whew. That is all. For now.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/12/2024)

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Reasons why Community Arts Day is the best event EVER

11 Apr

A few days ago I posted a blog about this weekend’s upcoming Community Arts Day. Like most of my blogs, it did a pretty good job outlining all of the fun stuff there will be to see and do. But that blog fell far short in one big way: it didn’t make it at all clear how much I LOVE this annual event.

First, the details again: Community Arts Day, held at Webster Schroeder High School, is a family-friendly festival which showcases the musical and artistic talents of Webster School District K-12 students, and invites dozens of community groups to display their great contributions to our community.

The event always draws a lot of parents and children, because every single school, from the elementary to the high schools, has its own artwork display. The works range from sculptures and metalwork to collages and foil paintings, and all grades are represented. I love wandering through the halls to check out the range of skills, and am always impressed by the colors and designs and creativity I see, regardless of the child’s age. And the artwork on display from the high school AP students? Just blows. Me. Away. Every year.

As a blogger, I also like to peruse all of the information tables set up by community groups. I greet old friends from the Webster Public Library, Webster Museum and the Friends of Webster Trails. I pick up flyers from organizations like the Gathering Place to see what events they have coming up. And I learn about agencies I didn’t know anything about before.

I LOVE catching all of the different dance and music performances. But there are so many of them, sometimes happening at the same time, that I find myself running from recital hall to the auditorium and back again. This year’s schedule is no different, either. It features lots of dance groups, elementary school music ensembles, the Schroeder Theater Company and much, much more. (See the entire schedule on the CAD Facebook page.)

I LOVE the bake sale. Unfortunately, the prices are so reasonable and the selection so varied that the treats often double as my lunch. But if I decide to have a hot dog or pizza instead, I can get those as well at the cafeteria.

I like watching the kids at the craft table making sand art; wandering through the art vendors to see if I can pick up some early Christmas gifts; and watching the Webster’s Got Talent student talent show (scheduled this year from 2 to 3 p.m.). I also always check out the gymnasium where the SparX team demonstrates their latest robot.

I like that the Webster Marching Band always sets up a bottle and can drive in the parking lot during the event (10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) so I can take advantage of that while I’m there.

Basically, I love that this is such a family-friendly event which doesn’t have to cost you a dime to bring the kids to. Even if you just stop by for an hour, you’ll have great fun and learn so much more about the great resources — and talent — our community has to offer.

Community Arts Day will be held this Saturday April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 850 Ridge Rd. Admission is free, and there’s plenty of parking.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/11/2024)

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Hi, can we meet?

11 Apr
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Just another quick reminder today that I’ll be setting up a meet-and-greet table at Community Arts Day this Saturday, April 13 at Webster Schroeder High School. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and I’m planning to be there all day.

The reason I’m doing this is simple. I know a lot of you out there are reading and enjoying my blog, but I’ve met very relatively few of you. I’m hoping to change that on Saturday with this invitation to come on out to Community Arts Day and stop by my table to chat.

Bring along your questions, blog ideas, flyers for your group’s upcoming special event, or that clipping you have on the fridge of your favorite blog (I like to think someone has done that!). Bring along your suggestions and your complaints.

But most of all, bring you. Because while I can see a lot of statistics that tell me you’re one of my regular readers, statistics are, by their very nature, impersonal. I would like to meet you. Look for my table just inside the entrance nearest the gymnasium. I’ll be right on the corner. (P.S. Please be forewarned; if I have met you before I will probably forget your name, ’cause that’s what I do. So help me out!)

Make sure to check out today’s follow-up blog which has more detail about Community Arts Day, and make a plan to stop by with your family, whether you care to visit my table or not. Because it’s a wonderful day which brings all of the great things about our community together in one place.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/11/2024)

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Community Arts Day returns on Saturday April 13

6 Apr

It’s as sure a sign of spring as the first robin: The Webster Central School District’s — and the entire Webster community’s — grand show-off day, Community Arts Day, returns to Webster Schroeder High School this Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This very family-friendly festival, which is marking its 47th year, showcases the musical and artistic talents of Webster School District K-12 students, and involves the entire community in a day to celebrate the arts. It was created as a collaborative effort to raise money to encourage and enhance fine arts programs throughout the district. (Below are a few examples of the artwork from previous years. Click here for a full gallery from last year.)

Dozens of activities are planned throughout the day, including art displays, carnival games, crafts, community group exhibits and more. Webster student groups will present musical performances throughout the day, and the Webster’s Got Talent talent show will feature aspiring student singers, musicians, and dancers from 2 to 3 p.m. Community performing groups will fill out the schedule of events, and all the performances are free.

Admission to Community Arts Day is free. Proceeds from concessions, craft, and carnival booth sales will benefit cultural arts programs within the Webster Central School District.  

For a complete schedule of events and map of exhibitors, follow the Community Arts Day Facebook page, where updates will be posted regularly.

By the way, organizers could really use some more volunteers at the event. Just a few hours of your time will help raise funds for your kids’ schools. Student and adult helpers would be more than appreciated! For more information, click here.  

Here’s something new at this year’s Community Arts Day which I particularly wanted to highlight:

This year, the Webster Central PTSA is partnering with the WCSD Music Department to offer a Used Instrument Donation Drive, an opportunity for families to donate their gently used instruments to students who aren’t easily able to afford a new instrument.

The Concert Wear/Coat Drive the WCPTSA does every fall is so successful, this seemed like another wonderful way to help those in need, while spreading the love of music. The school district will cover the cost of repairing any instruments that need repair.

A table will be set up at Community Arts Day where families can drop off their unused instruments, so pack up your old instruments and bring them along!

Also new at this year’s Community Arts Day

ALSO, this year, for the first time, I’ll be setting up a Webster on the Web table, where I’ll just be hanging out, hoping people will stop by to chat and perhaps feed me some good blog ideas.

Please look for my little table and stop by to say hi. If I’m not there, I’ll be wandering around the school with my camera, so watch for me out and about, too!

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/6/2024)

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Thomas brings ogre-sized family fun to the stage with Shrek the Musical

19 Mar

I have a new favorite fairy tale: Shrek.

I never thought about Shrek as a fairy tale, but it really is, complete with a princess, a dragon, a villain, castles and lots of adventure. It’s a touching love-found-then-lost-then-found-again story that just happens to include all of our favorite fairy tale characters, led by Shrek the ogre, an unlikely (and very ugly) hero.

In 2008, the very popular DreamWorks film was turned into an award-winning Broadway musical, and you can see it this weekend, when Webster Thomas High School presents Shrek the Musical in four shows, Thursday through Saturday March 21 to 23.

I had the pleasure to sit in on Monday night’s dress rehearsal. At this particular rehearsal, none of the cast members was wearing full makeup, but that detracted little from the pure fun that these young actors brought to the stage.

Shrek the Musical is not a word-for-word rehash of the film, but that’s one of the things I found so delightful about the production. You’ll recognize much of the dialogue, and the story line is the same. But all of the songs are new, except for one at the very end which you will most certainly recognize, during a curtain call you will not want to miss.

And of course, all of the characters you’ve come to know and love were there: Shrek (Marcello Serventi), who just wants to be left alone to enjoy his swamp in peace; wisecracking Donkey (Matteo Serventi), who just wants to be Shrek’s BFF; the beautiful and feisty Fiona (Alyssa Walsh) and despicable Farquaad (Jamie McCarthy). They’re supported by 50 more cast, crew and pit orchestra members. Together, they transport the audience into a fairy tale world where, ultimately, love conquers all.

If you don’t know Shrek the movie, you need to see this wonderful production. If you DO know Shrek the movie, you definitely need to see this fresh take on the beloved story. The whole family will love it.

Webster Thomas High School will present Shrek the Musical on Thursday, Friday and Saturday March 21-23 at 7 p.m. each evening, with a matinee performance on Saturday at 1 p.m. The show (including intermission) runs about two and a half hours. Reserve-seat tickets are $14 and can be purchased here. Tickets are still available, but this show will likely sell out, so reserve yours soon.

Webster Thomas High School is located at 800 Five Mile Line Rd.

Check out this slideshow of photos from the rehearsal:

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/5/2024)

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