Shrek the Musical Has Soul

By Gabby Willingham Morris (’15), SAA Theatre Director

Have you ever met an ogre with a lot of layers? Well, you will soon because Shrek the Musical finally opens next week on the Hook Theatre stage! This hilarious, joyous show will take the audience on the adventure we all know and love-an Ogre wants his swamp back, is forced to befriend a donkey, and scours the land to save a princess-all of this while discovering the power of faith and trust.

Through this show you will travel to castles, a dragon’s keep, and even a church. You will learn how the outer appearance of someone-even a mask or fireproof helmet-is simply covering their true soul, yet to be revealed.

I have learned so much about my own soul from directing this show. When choosing Shrek the Musical, I wondered, “can I wear the mask of director and tackle a show as big and this? Our main character has to fight off a wannabe king, a fire breathing dragon, and his own self-doubt, in song and dance. I still have to make sure my backstage crew doesn’t bump a castle into one of my ensemble members.

I guess Shrek and I both had a lot to learn on this journey, but I think we are close to the answer. 

In my favorite song, Who I’d Be, Shrek, played by the newest member of our theatre family, Tyler Curry, explores his vision of being a hero. He proclaims that he could be a hero with just a suit of armor and the princess to fall in love with him, but later reveals that he wants exactly the same things we all do: to save the day, make the game winning shot, find our forever friends, or fall in love.

As I listen to the song (a lot!), I am learning that I can lead and direct both on and off the stage. I can be creative and think of sets and transitions that can only be God-inspired. I can even see beauty in how this show can impact people-even communities outside of SAA-SDS. 

On March 7th, the cast of Shrek got to travel around the city of Memphis for the annual Tour of Love, a tradition begun by my dear friend and former colleague, Ann Neal. This year, we traveled to St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen, Ave Maria Nursing Home, and Shepherd’s Haven, sharing the show with communities that may not be able to come to our actual performances.

Each year we do the Tour of Love, I am reminded of the heart and soul of our school community- Study, Prayer, Community and Service. Our actors learn songs, lines and dances, and then they serve various communities by sharing their passion for God through the Fine Arts. I get to witness my students learn to love their neighbors and their cast members as themselves. It is our school’s mission in action!

All these beautiful lessons and experiences have me excited for you to see Shrek the Musical. It WILL touch your soul! There are five chances to see this incredible show, with performances starting March 25th and running through March 28. Come in your best Shrek outfit or come as you are-because all are welcome! We hope to see you soon in our swamp!

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for SAA-SDS faculty and students.

Get tickets now: https://gofan.co/app/school/TN8795?activity=Performing%20Arts