PHOTO BY KATHLEEN WENZEL
Cast members rehearse for CROW’s upcoming production of “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” in April at the Florence Events Center.
Cast announced for CROW spring production
FLORENCE — After three intensive
days of auditions and callbacks in early
January, CROW (Children’s Repertory of
Oregon Workshops) announced the cast
selected for it’s upcoming youth musical,
“Shrek the Musical, Jr.,” to be performed
April 15-17 at the Florence Events Center.
“The competition was fierce this year,”
said artistic director Melanie Heard. “We
had many kids who could easily have
snagged any of these roles, and believe me
when I say that the meeting to make final
decisions on the cast was a long, late
night.
In the end, Heard said she hoped the
experience provided some great opportu-
nities for local youth to shine, as well as
provide a great learning experiences for
kids wanting to know what it’s like to go
through a professional musical theatre
audition.”
The title role of “Shrek” will be played
by returning local favorite, Jacob Ternyik.
His beautiful Ogress “Fiona” will be por-
trayed by 16-year-old songbird Lacey
Seeley, in her first leading role for the
noprofit youth theatre organization.
Shrek’s hilarious wise-cracking side-
kick “Donkey” will be played by funny-
man Cameron Utz, and the short on charm
“Lord Farquad” will be portrayed by
2 0 • C OAST
young comedienne Tristin Reber.
Additional supporting roles include
“Pinocchio” (Haylee Cole), “Dragon”
(Nyah Vollmar) and the “Captain of the
Guards” (Ceasar Castillo).
There are also many featured fairy tale
and Kingdom of Duloc roles, as well as a
“tap dance surprise” that the Florence
community may not expect.
With a 52 person cast this time —
including seven adorable 4- to 6-year-old
“Telegrammers,” CROW has already
begun the extensive planning and prepara-
tion required to produce a youth musical
of this size.
The production team has held several
meetings and is in the process of securing
backdrops, preparing set pieces for paint-
ing and design, renting a giant dragon,
making costumes and props, and readying
the needed materials for the first rehears-
al.
CROW strives to provide an extensive
arts educational experience for all
involved from beginning to end.
Sponsorship and program advertising
opportunities are available for local busi-
nesses or individuals who are interested,
by contacting Melanie Heard at: 541-999-
8641.
Heard points out that there are also
C ENTRAL • A r ts & En t er ta in m e nt • F E BR U AR Y 2 0 1 6
COURTESY PHOTO
many volunteers who will be working
tirelessly to add the sparkle and polish
required in a show of this size.
“Shrek Jr.” marks CROW’s fifth main-
stage musical at the FEC, following a
string of successes including “Beauty and
the Beast Jr,” “The Music Man Jr,” “The
Little Mermaid Jr,” and last year’s “Once
Upon A Mattress.”
For more information on the CROW
program, including info about their
upcoming “Share Your Heart” fundraiser
auction to be held on Feb. 13, visit
www.crowkids.com.