The St. Ignatius Harlequins’ production of Shrek: the Musical sold out consecutive nights at the Breen Theater this spring, but one student’s support stood head and shoulders above the rest.
Students and faculty members were shocked to see freshman Doug Locke show up on Monday morning in full Shrek cosplay, complete with the iconic peasant attire, green makeup, and most importantly, his green ogre ears.
His spirit for the masterpiece of Shrek: the Musical did not go unnoticed by the cast and crew, many of whom stopped to pose for selfies with Doug in the halls during class changes only to discover that their phones were securely locked in the unassailable vaults that are Yondr pouches.
Ms. Martin found it awesome that a student would go out of his way to dress up as Shrek. “I find it awesome that a student would go out of his way to dress up as Shrek,” she said. “And, frankly, it’s a little disturbing.”
Locke was also seen holding up signs on the mall to encourage people to support the musical. One sign said, “Shrek is Love, Shrek is Life” on one side and the other side said, “Life is Better in the Swamp.” Another sign told people to support his best friend Sean Rekk, a member of the Harlequins run crew, by advertising his code srekk28.
In an interview, Locke shared why he made the daring decision to ditch his shirt and tie and come to school as Shrek. “I always loved Shrek as a kid and here it is being performed at school. So, I have to go and see it,” Doug responded. “I know that the cast and crew work tirelessly to get the musical running, and Ms. Martin said that there will be a free day if all the shows sell out during the spring sports rally. So, I’m going to all five shows and the ice cream social on the 6th,” he added.
With his costume, Doug became a sensation throughout campus, so we solicited student and teacher input.
Jacob Rolda ‘26, Assistant Stage Manager for the Harlequins believes that “the support
that Doug provided to this show will go a long way. However, I do think he should have advertised my code jrolda26 instead.”
Mr. Hess added, “If you want a free day, Matthew Piatak [who portrays Shrek in the production] will have to go through me first!”
Ms. Mayer was characteristically supportive. “I mean, its a bit much, but you do you. Live your truth, Doug!”
Finally, Mr. Sheridan’s input was needed on the whole situation. To say the least, he was not amused by Doug’s blatant disregard for the dress code.
“I wound up with ten JUGs and a Saturday detention that day, but it was all worth it. Although, I do disagree with my punishment because who doesn’t love Shrek… and free days,” Doug concluded.
