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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (March 2, 2016)
Youth artwork offers ‘Fresh Impressions’ at FEC FLORENCE — Friends of Florence Events Center (FEC) is presenting a special youth art exhibition titled “Fresh Impressions 2016.” The show highlights the artistic talents of the youth in the local community. Most of the artists are part of the multi-media art program offered by Kim Pickell, art teacher at Siuslaw High School. The exhibit is unique and refreshing, with 2-D and 3-D art displayed. Cash prizes and ribbons will be presented by the FEC Gallery Committee Some examples of student artwork by (from left) Lainey Goss, Maria Figueroa and Ben Cahoon of Siuslaw High School during an artist’s reception Tuesday, March 6, in Gallery One, from 5 to 7 p.m. Friends and families of the students, as well as the gener- al public, are invited to attend. All artists will be con- gratulated for their contribu- tions to the arts, and willing- ness to share their “Fresh Impressions” with the com- munity. The “Fresh Impressions 2016” exhibit will be on dis- play during the month of March. For more information, visit www.eventcenter.org. COURTESY PHOTO CROW TO PRESENT FLORENCE — According to Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops (CROW), nasty will be nice and Florence will be “ogre-the-moon” when CROW presents its fifth main-stage production, “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” This fun and flatulence-filled family musical will be presented April 15-17 at the Florence Events Center, but this nonprofit youth organization’s all-volunteer produc- tion team has been working on it for nearly a year already. With music by Jeanine Tesori, book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks animated film and the book, “Shrek,” by William Steig. “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” is an uproarious musical comedy that follows the adventures of an ogre named “Shrek” (played by Jacob Ternyik) who sets off on a quest to save a feisty princess (played by Lacey Seeley) from a giant soul-filled dragon (played by Nyah Vollmar). However, it turns out that in order to ulti- mately succeed, Shrek must battle an even bigger obstacle: learning how to believe in himself and open his heart to others. Along the way, he meets his comedic sidekick, “Donkey” (played by Cameron Utz) and goes nose to…navel with the diminutive 2 2 • C OAST ‘S HREK THE M USICAL , J R .’ COURTESY PHOTO The cast of CROW’s upcoming production of “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” “Lord Farquaad” (played by Tristin Reber). With a cast of more than 50 children and young adults, including seven adorable 4- to 6-year-old “Telegrammers,” CROW works hard to provide the highest caliber sets, costumes, props and special effects for participants. “The arts have the power to impact our youth in ways that nothing else can,” says C ENTRAL • A r ts & En t er ta in m e nt • M AR CH 2 0 1 6 Melanie Heard, artistic director of CROW. “Shrek’s unique story of discovery encour- ages each of us to examine our prejudices, review what we believe to be our limita- tions and work to better understand our- selves and others. “Our cast members have embarked on a similar journey, learning more about them- selves and each other while collaborating IN A PRIL towards the common goal of presenting this musical.” “This musical holds a strong central theme, which is relatable to all of us,” says Heard. Shrek has learned the hard way that “people hate the things they cannot under- stand.” For many years he has protected himself from the hurtful actions of those who are scared of him by living as a recluse in a cozy cesspit. One day, his peaceful swamp is disturbed by new tenants: fairytale misfits — including Pinocchio, the Ugly Duckling, the Wicked Witch, Peter Pan, the Three Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf — who have been banished there by the villainous Lord Farquaad. In order to gain back his land, Shrek makes a deal with Farquaad to rescue Fiona from a tower guarded by a fierce dragon. Setting off with his wise-cracking compan- ion, Donkey, Shrek begins the journey of a lifetime filled with adventure, romance and hilarity. Tickets are on sale now at the Florence Events Center. They are $16 for adults and $8 for kids ages 12 and under. There will be four public performances: Friday, April 15, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 17, at 2 p.m.
