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.