Ozone takes "Shrek the Musical" by Storm!

Halloween is known for many things. The scares, the candy and the costumes are a notable few. Musical theater, however, is an unusual addition to a list of Halloween festivities 50 students and 14 leaders will now remember every October 31^st.

This October, as leaves on trees turned crisp and orange, the Walton Arts Center generously provided tickets for Ozone middle and high school students, as well as leaders and directors, to see Shrek the Musical on the night of Halloween. It was an offer impossible to pass up.

The night of the show came and students met in Fayetteville, Rogers and Bentonville to drive to the Fayetteville performing arts center. Dressed in costumes ranging from storybook characters to superheroes, imaginary friends to athletes, a group of Ozone participants descended on the venue for some pre-show Halloween treats. Much to the delight of kids (and hungry staff members), free soda, candy, popcorn and more were given out generously by WAC’s costumed workers. Soon enough the lights of the lobby were dimmed and everyone knew an incredible show was about to begin. 

It took only a fraction of a second for audience members to be awed by sets and songs, and as the curtain parted, each person began an imaginative and fun journey through a beloved, albeit silly, movie.

Derick, a Bentonville Primetime leader, shared his own experience, “Seeing Shrek made me feel like a kid again! It was so fun to get to watch it with the kids and laugh along with them. The coolest part was the dance party at the end. When "I'm a Believer" came on, everyone stood up and started dancing and acting crazy.”

Everyone absolutely loved the drama and comedy and imagination of the evening’s event. It is always a valuable experience for kids to have their eyes opened to the potential within their minds to be creative and try new things. “Shrek” was without question an agent to creative thought for the kids and leaders who attended Halloween night.