Plum High School students look forward to production of 'Shrek The Musical'

Logan Smith tried to contain his excitement when he started hearing late last year that “Shrek The Musical” was going to be selected as the Plum High School spring production.

“I heard rumors going around,” said Smith, 17, a senior. “I was so excited.”

When the reports were confirmed, Smith knew what he was going to do.

Smith, who has performed in three other musicals during his high school career is more than familiar with the Shrek character, as he played the part in a production at the McKeesport Little Theater.

“I think Shrek will be my favorite,” said Smith, who aspires to perform on Broadway.

“Shrek The Musical,” based on a popular animated film and a book, is scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 16, 17 and 18 in the auditorium at Plum High School.

Music teacher John DeLuce, who is directing his fifth show, said “Shrek” was selected as this year's production because of its popularity and the opportunity to have many students involved.

“We wanted to do something a little more known and recognized,” DeLuce said. “And it's fun for the younger kids in the community.”

DeLuce said 130 students are in the production. DeLuce's wife, Emily, is the choreographer for the show.

“The students are very excited,” John DeLuce said.

Smith said he enjoys portraying Shrek, the misunderstood ogre.

“People see him as mean,” Smith said. “But you can't judge a book by its cover.”

Emily Matisko, 18, a senior, also has been involved in the spring musicals throughout her high school career.

Matisko has danced for nine years, as well as taken voice and piano lessons over the past decade and enjoys practicing her crafts, as well as working with others in the cast.

“You get a sense of family,” said Matisko, who is portraying Princess Fiona. “It is a great experience. It doesn't feel like work.”

Matisko is looking forward to portraying a character who transforms throughout the story.

“She is naïve,” Matisko said. “She is stuck in a tower for 20 years. But she can stand up for herself. She has a good sense of herself and is confident.”

Erin Simqu, 15, and Marisa Panichella, 16, both sophomores; and Lisa Reddington, 16, a junior, chatted and did homework while waiting for the dance portion of the rehearsal to begin.

“I dance competitively,” Simqu said. “It (being a part of the musical) takes a lot of time and effort. I feel like it will pay off.”

Panichella said she enjoys all types of dance and aspires to be a part of a college dance team.

“It is a lot of fun,” Panichella said.

Reddington said she looks forward to reviews of the musical.

“I like hearing people comment after the show,” Reddington said.

Karen Zapf is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-871-2367 or kzapf@tribweb.com.