‘Shrek’ is On Deck as Berner’s Fall Musical

The tale of the grumpy ogre and the princess with a deep, dark secret is coming to the Berner Middle School stage on Nov. 22 and 23. A cast of 80 sixth, seventh and eighth grade students will perform “Shrek the Musical.”

Leading actors include eighth grader Dominic Lovaglio as Shrek, eighth grader Nicole Fontana as Fiona, eighth grader Lily Haberly as Dragon, eighth grader Michael Giudice as Donkey, seventh grader Avery Etter as Gingy and sixth grader Benjamin Law as Pinocchio. This year’s cast features many seasoned eighth graders who not only have appeared in prior Berner shows, but also have extensive experience with outside theater groups.

Director Katie Pearsall said having a core of talented character actors and strong singers is what led her to pick “Shrek” as this year’s show. She described the students as a creative group who will succeed in making the musical a success.

“We have a very talented ensemble,” Dominic said, adding that he is looking forward to the lead-up to the show, known as tech week. “That’s when everything comes together, it’s almost show time and you have to be ready.”

Nicole described “Shrek” as a kid-friendly show, but one that audiences of all ages will enjoy because most people are familiar with the movie. Lily explained that the choreography of the show will stand out, and the cast has been working very hard to master the dance moves.

“Everyone puts in the work to make it a success,” she said.

Major musical numbers include “Big Bright Beautiful World,” “Forever,” “Story of My Life” and “Who I’d Be.”

Ms. Pearsall is supported by choreographer Danielle Coutieri, vocal director Christina Simon, production assistant Siobhan Healy, stage crew director Jason Kavanaugh and art director Allison Clemente.

Show times are Friday, Nov. 22, and Saturday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m. in the Berner Middle School auditorium. General admission tickets are $10. For more information, call the fine and performing arts department at (516) 308-5085.