Jaime Shaak, Gilpin County. Gilpin High School’s theatre was home to the energetic, rollicking, feel-good production of Shrek last weekend. The liberated fairy tale creatures that inhabit Shrek’s swamp belted out Story of My Life and Let Your Freak Flag Fly, to clapping, tapping and smiling audiences. There were many high fives for the actors, ranging from age 4 - 64 as they circled through the audience in the grand finale singing I Believe. 

 Peak to Peak Players’ production starts and ends with Chip Smith  and his big, bright, beautiful voice bringing us all into the reality of his life as Shrek, the ogre. Chip’s connection with fellow actors Angela Hunt, as Fiona, and Doug Fisichella as the lovable, laugh-a-minute donkey, is wonderful and felt throughout the whole show. 

“To be able to join a really talented community of the actors in Shrek is a joy,” said Chip Smith. 

This is Doug’s second performance on stage as an actor and he certainly has the comic timing to bring this talking donkey to life, while leaving a long lasting impression.

Rounding out the quartet’s leading actors is the dragon, in need of unconditional love, played by Jacquelyn O’Brien. The long eye lashes and husky voice perfectly draw the donkey into her web and show us that everyone is lovable if allowed to shine in our own specific areas of strength. 

Shrek illuminates perfectly how the power of friendship and love can transform even an ogre. 

Two final show times are August 2 and 3, 2019, at the Gilpin High School.