Voice Steps Brings Shrek back to the stage

The young performers of Voice Steps present the story of the ogre Shrek and his talkative companion Donkey in the Lorzensaal in Cham.
 

More than 50 children from the Voice Steps musical school took to the stage on Thursday evening with great enthusiasm and obvious joy, and celebrated a successful premiere. The captivating performance of the enchanting fairy tale "Shrek" in a junior format began in a green-themed set in the Lorzensaal in Cham.

The audience was repeatedly surprised by the special effects, as well as references to local Zug and global politics. The integrated humour here elicited numerous spontaneous laughs and bursts of applause from the audience.

The production caused a sensation at the European Youth Musical Festival back in 2018, where it won five awards. The young musical talents of Voice Steps have now once again taken on the humorous and touching story of Shrek, Fiona, and the talking Donkey. With plenty of wit and heart, the show tells a tale of friendship, courage, and being different.

A ruler drives out the fairytale characters
The hero of the story is Shrek, a large green ogre – wonderfully portrayed by Alena Lake. Because people are afraid of him, he lives a secluded and grumpy life in his swamp, from which he chases away any intruder. But his peace is shattered when Lord Farquaad, the fanatical ruler of the kingdom of Duloc, drives all the fairytale characters out of his land and settles them in Shrek's swamp.

But the gentle ogre has no intention of sharing his kingdom with Pinocchio, Heidi and Peter, the Big Bad Wolf, and all the other fairytale characters any longer than necessary. Shrek therefore sets off in the reluctant company of a constantly chattering, clumsy donkey – brilliantly played by Dana Heeb – to find Lord Farquaad.

The ogre and the lord strike a deal: if Shrek rescues Princess Fiona – played by Mila Weckmann in her golden ballet flats – who is imprisoned in a tower crammed with books and guarded by a dangerous dragon  -  and brings her to Farquaad, he will give him his swamp back. And so the adventure begins.

Many atmospheric scenes unfolded on stage.      
A lot of work went into the performance.              
The performers received their well-deserved applause.    Photos: Deborah Livia
 

The fifth- to eighth-grade students developed the songs, choreography, and acting scenes for the play during a week-long camp in Melchtal, canton Obwalden, in the spring, as well as at countless hours of rehearsal in the Voice-Steps studio in Cham, and two rehearsal weekends.

From the stage to real life
Director Rebecca Stauffacher is responsible for the artistic direction and the successful casting of the company. "I'm quite proud of my directorial debut," she says. “As a musical performer and primary school teacher – I also work as a group leader for the youngest children – it's incredibly rewarding to present the results of our extensive teamwork in six planned shows”.

"It's truly amazing what you can take from the stage into real life – one of the best schools of life there is. Witnessing the personal development of these young people is simply wonderful," she adds.

Guido Simmen is responsible for choir direction and vocals, while Joana Simmen is responsible for the choreography. Guido Simmen explains: "After 44 years as a school principal, now is the right time to let go. After my upcoming retirement, I will continue to work as a choir director, but the programme will now be continued by younger members."

A spectator from Cham reflected: "It's incredible how much work goes into a performance like this. The costume and make-up designers have done a fantastic job." And the children seem to love this story – they're so invested and passionate about it.

Accordingly, the opening night ended with a standing ovation from the audience, who could be sure that all these enchanting fairytale characters will live happily ever after.
 

Note:
There will be further performances in the Lorzensaal in Cham on:
Friday, 29th May (7:30 pm), Saturday 30th May (3 pm and 7:30 pm), and Sunday, 31st May (3 pm).

Information about tickets can be found on:
https://reservation.ticketleo.com/event/34476/shrek-jr