Fifth-grade teacher Julie Ray (center), directed St. Pius X School's production of Shrek Jr. It was the first time one of the school's annual musicals featured faculty and staff members as main characters.GREENSBORO — The St. Pius X Catholic School community rallied together this fall to put on a successful production of “Shrek Jr.,” performing two sold-out shows Nov. 3 and 5. The cast featured faculty, staff and students.
Fifth-grade teacher Julie Ray directed the musical, and music teacher Robert York played the title character and led the singing rehearsals. It is a tradition at the school to perform musicals each year, but this was the first time teachers played the main characters with students having smaller roles, such as younger versions of Shrek and Fiona.
Ray said they wanted to give the students and their families a special gift.
“The teachers and staff wanted the students to see them in a different light, not just as their teachers at school but as individuals who laugh together and share their gifts with each other and with God,” she added.
The cast practiced weekly, increasing rehearsals as opening night drew near.
“Sometimes they were tired, but they always came with a smile on their faces and a positive attitude,” Ray said. “They worked together, laughed together, encouraged each other, and bonded even more with each other. Our teachers and staff lit up the stage, and our students added the sparkle.”
Sixth-grader Emma Markun, who played a storyteller and two other supporting roles, said she loved all the time she spent getting to know the principal, vice principal, teachers and students.
“Mrs. Bliss, Mrs. Fly, Mr. York and Miss O can all really nail a good joke,” she said. “And Mrs. Aguilera made her own dragon mask and sings beautifully. All my teachers are so talented!”
Ray added that she hopes to do something like this again.
“I am so blessed to work with such amazing people who spread their faith through their actions every day,” she said. “They truly are my second family, and I could not be prouder of them.”
In the spring, St. Pius X middle school students will perform “The Lion King,” and the lower school will perform “The Little Mermaid.”
—Annie Ferguson
