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Praise for Shrek from Rainbow Stage

And, behind the scenes secrets to Shrek’s success

Virden Collegiate Institute's music teacher Michelle Chyzyk has received much acclaim for the recent musicals that have played on Virden's Aud stage. Shrek, this May, was a real eye-catcher. 

“We were happy to host guests from Winnipeg's Rainbow Stage and they offered a great deal of praise for the choices of both AIDA last year, and Shrek this year as they were so very well suited to our specific students." Chyzyk explains, "They thought the casting and use of our talents was absolutely top- notch. One lady commented that she had never seen such intensity and commitment from every performer.”

So, what's the secret to producing a musical the size and scope of Shrek? And with such excellence?

Chyzyk has been producing large musicals with high school students for years now, planning well in advance, organizing the work into bite-sized pieces and enlisting the right help.

For the musical that came out this spring, Chyzyk explains, “I began working on the details of the show in June 2016.”

A half a year later, rehearsals began in January 2017, with the principal characters practicing once a week, Chyzyk explains. The Duloc Dancers and the Fairytale Creatures had a few rehearsals early on, as their segments were quite complicated; and gradually other small groupings were added. However, the large group didn't start much work on the big scenes until late April when Virden Music & Art Festival was over.

 “The lead characters in Shrek were an absolute joy to work with - a very, very clever bunch and so eager to try suggestions and to add to the shaping of their characters,” says Chyzyk. 

Local choreographers Chloe Hayward and Monele LeStrat received praise from the Director. “Chloe created fabulous choreography for the Duloc Dancers and the tap dancing rats - she is a very talented creative young woman.”

Chyzyk called LeStrat “the strongest actor we have ever had at Virden Collegiate”, saying, “As well as lighting up the stage many times, she helped to improve our dragon puppet and organize the many details in the show.”

Most of the incredible costumes were created by Lynn Lelond. This costumer was born and raised near  Miniota, and has been a resident of Brandon for a number of years.

Lisa Cranston's imagination fine-tuned and added to the fabulous collection in the costuming of Shrek.

Props and sets were also a huge amount of work. Leon Friesen, Kathy Welsh and Gwen More created these at a professional standard.

Chyzyk says, “People in Virden may not realize that the standard of lighting, effects, and sound used in our productions is not happening in other places. We are very fortunate to have our treasured Aud Theatre, and people like Thomas Humphries, Leon Friesen, and Dianne Liefso running these details.”

The crowds were respectable, but Chyzyk said, “We were disappointed not to sell out, with so much work having gone into the production, but we were pleased with the response of those in attendance.”

And, indeed the audience laughed and applauded throughout this highly amusing stage production.

To sum up, Chyzyk, a music teacher in Virden schools and the producer/director of Shrek the Musical noted the importance  of her students’ growth as part of an amazing team. “The bonus was entertaining the audience so very well...Lifelong memories for all involved!”

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