At the Keeper of the Lost Cities: Legacy event at Foothill College with Shannon Messenger talking and signing #keeperofthelostcities #kotlc #kotlclegacy #shannonmessenger #foothillcollege (at Foothill College) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4lencLDtTw/?igshid=2rrgnjiabdxz
I’m really questioning my decision to come to school on my day off today and even more so my decision to park far away so I can get in a few extra steps right now lol #rain #foothillcollege #whyamihere #iamfoothill #lindseymortonphotography #nofilter (at Foothill College)
“Tubes” Oil pen on film. 8x10” Something new today in preparation for a screen printing project for school. Super stoked to play around with printmaking. Day 4 INK. #inktober #art #tree #illustration #oilpen #sharpie #foothillcollege #sillhoutte
A big, bright, beautiful world infiltrated Foothill Music Theatre this past month, giving audiences a trip to the kingdom of Duloc with Shrek, Donkey, Fiona, and a whole gang of fairy tale creatures. Adapted by David Lindsay-Abaire from the Oscar-winning film, and with a score by Mr. Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori, Shrek, the Musical is littered with lessons, tales, and words of wisdom audiences of all ages can learn from. Director Milisa Carey helmed this production with a crafty vision of animated fun in the visual appeal while allowing for the heart and emotion to come through. Coupled with some excellent choreography by Riette Burdick and solid musical direction by Rick Reynolds, this Shrek… delivered the magic and fun the musical promises.
Andrew Ross found the strength in his portrayal as Shrek in song, mainly in the power ballads “Big, Bright, Beautiful World,” “Who I’d Be,” and the Act Two torch number, “Build a Wall.” Mr. Ross’ presence and strength as the titular ogre were well-developed attributes of his overall performance, especially when playing opposite Jocelyn Pickett’s outstanding Princess Fiona and Nick Kenrick’s memorable Donkey. Miss Pickett began her steal-the-show run as the quirky Princess in the opening number with a boisterous entrance and bubbly, infectious energy. Miss Pickett’s musical entrance in “I Know It’s Today” alongside Katelyn Hughes’ adorable Young Fiona and Cameryn Laird’s strong Teen Fiona was a solid introduction of her vocal talents, setting up high expectations for the remainder of the performance. Her leadership of the Act Two dance tune, “Morning Person,” was nothing short of excellent, executing Miss Riette’s tap and Fosse choreography with precision and vitality. Mr. Kenrick’s Donkey did land on the visually exhausting side through his constant stream of movement and takes to the audience, but hit his stride in a fun “Don’t Let Me Go” and a soulful “Make a Move,” with stellar backup vocals and dancing by Mylissa Malley, Sasha Motalygo, and Katie Mazon as the Three Blind Mice.
Joey McDaniel delivered a mighty performance as the pint-sized Lord Farquaad. Mr. McDaniel’s flamboyant demeanor in “What’s Up, Duloc?” was a top-notch musical endeavor that showcased stellar vocals and comedic inflection in its finest form. Mr. McDaniel’s Act Two solo, “The Ballad of Farquaad” was a delightful story-telling turn that set up a very funny bit at the end of the musical when the audience meets the wee man’s father. Jennifer Martinelli sung a dynamite “Forever” as the Dragon, no easy task for any female vocalist in the musical theatre realm.
Victor Velasquez’s animated Pinocchio served as a featured standout performance as he marvelously led “Story of My Life” and the Act Two anthem “Freak Flag.” Melissa Costa delivered an absolutely gorgeous solo to kick-off “Freak Flag” in strong fashion. As a Fairy Tale ensemble, “Freak Flag,” from start to finish, served as the strongest, most entertaining number in the show, with dazzling choreography, lighting (designed by Michael Ramsaur), and vocal power from the well-balanced ensemble. Lynn Grant’s scenic design served as the perfect playground for the Duloc-ians, Fairy Tale Creatures, and Royalty to exercise their power in scene and song. The animated concept always had visual consistency, while still filling the giant Smithwick Theater stage effectively and attractively. Shrek… has since closed, but be on the lookout for upcoming productions from Foothill Music Theatre and the Foothill College Theatre program coming up next season. Go see a show!