Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School Students Present Shrek The Musical Jr.

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School students took the stage earlier this month for three performances of Shrek The Musical Jr., with a cast and crew of 72 students presenting the show in the school auditorium.

A total of 49 actors and 23 crew members worked together on a May 7 matinee and a May 8 matinee for students and staff, followed by a Friday evening performance for the general public.

All three shows were held in the auditorium and featured students in seventh and eighth grade.

The production was led by Olivia Matko, the Middle School Drama Club and Musical Advisor, along with co-directors Francesca DiFazio and Julia Meisterich.

Matko said the students' preparation showed in the final performances.

"All three performances were spectacular successes! I am so proud of all of the hard work that the cast and crew put into this show over the last three months. It was not always easy, but these students showed up and did what they needed to do," Matko revealed.

DiFazio also praised the students and her fellow directors.

"I am incredibly proud of the work and energy that the students brought to the stage in Shrek The Musical JR. This is my 30th production at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School, and each year I am more and more impressed with the levels of talent our students bring," Ms. DiFazio stated. "I am also incredibly thankful to my co-directors, Olivia Matko and Julia Meisterich, for their dedication to the students and this production."

Meisterich said the students helped shape the production.

"I am so proud of all the hard work from our students. They really helped to make the show their own," Meisterich said. "All three performances were so successful because of them. It has been so great working with such a wonderful cast and crew, as well as Ms. Matko and Ms. DiFazio!"

Matko also pointed to the group's teamwork during the process.

"It helped that the whole group became one big family, willing to support and encourage one another, no matter their differences," stated Matko. "Everyone made their mark. This was our collective story to share with audiences."