The South Arkansas Arts Center welcomes Andria Gleghorn and Cassie Hickman as co-directors of the spring 2024 Youth Theatre production of "Shrek the Musical, Jr." Gleghorn and Hickman were last together in SAAC's 2022 Summer Musical hit, Mamma Mia as Donna and Rosie. While this is the 2nd collaboration on the SAAC stage for them, this is their 1st time to join directing forces in order to bring this hilarious, award-winning show with Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and all the other characters you know and love to life. "Shrek the Musical, Jr" is sponsored by Kiwanis Club of El Dorado and is scheduled to take the stage April 11-13.
Cassie Hickman is an integral part of the SAAC drama department. She has worked as music director and assistant director for countless productions while working with Youth Theatre, Drama Club, and Penguin Project in addition to teaching drama and music classes for early elementary and preschool children. "Being given a chance to work with an amazing group of talented kids is always one of my greatest joys! My desire is to help them grow and mature in skills, not just in theatre skills but in teamwork and their relationships with fellow cast mates," said Hickman.
While this is Andria Gleghorn's debut as a director for SAAC, this is not her first time directing. She has co-directed 13 musicals for Barton Junior High, including "Shrek the Musical, Jr" in 2018 with her colleague and friend Jeannie Strother. "I love the fun music and energy of Shrek," said Gleghorn. "Watching students come to life as they develop their character is a joy." Having worked in the El Dorado public schools for 23 years, Gleghorn is currently serving as assistant principal at Barton. Outside of her career, her loves include singing and traveling, especially to New York City where she sees as many Broadway musicals as she can.
Shrek the Musical is a one-of-a-kind, hilarious fairy tale in which curses are reversed, monsters get the girls, donkeys and dragons find love, and princesses are beautiful in all shapes and sizes. This musical is sure to entertain and make audiences believers in happy endings for all.
Auditions will be on January 17 from 4-6pm. Comfortable clothing is encouraged, as everyone will be taught a short dance, learn a song from the show to sing, and read from the script. No advance preparation is necessary. Scene readings and music are available at SAAC prior to January 17 auditions. For additional information, call the South Arkansas Arts Center at 870-862-5474.