“Shrek the Musical” has been a labor of love for the cast. Lots of hard work, but lots of laughs and camaraderie too.
“I love how the kids interact with each other, making new friends, getting reacquainted with old, and always helping and looking out for each other,” says Betty Brewer, producer of the show. “Look at Shelby Cash for instance – she’s been invaluable to the production. She’s knocked herself out getting the younger kids organized for the painting crew, giving them direction and getting the set ready for the artists to do the finishing work. She goes to summer school during the day and still has the energy to give it her all each night. And the kids listen to her – she’s so sweet but still makes a marvelous Wicked Witch!”
Cash lives in Green Creek and attends Isothermal College. During her sophomore year at Polk County High School she was in the cast of “Grease,” and last year appeared in “Willy Wonka” for TLT’s summer production.
“I love this show,” she says. “It’s funny, and I love working with everyone in it. They’re all hilarious!”
One of the hilarious characters she works with is Pinocchio, played by Stephen Blair, a rising senior at Polk County High School. He’s a member of the honors choir at school, and one of the reasons he acts is because he loves making people laugh. His voice in the play is Pinocchio-perfect, and just makes you giggle whenever you hear it.
“I like my character,” he says, “because he’s independent – a little away from the others – but still one of them. The voice is a little hard to keep up though – a strain on the throat, but I’m thoroughly enjoying it.”
“Shrek the Musical”, directed by Chris Tinkler with musical direction from Lena Duncan, opens this today, July 10 at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. Tickets are available at the TLT Workshop from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
Call 828-859-2466 for more information or to reserve a ticket.

– article submitted
by Monica Jones