Aleah Cross was meant to play this role – literally. Prior to being cast as Fiona on The Muni stage, Cross was cast for the same role in a production of Shrek the Musical at her local high school, but COVID-19 crushed that dream as that show was canceled.
"When I saw Muni was doing Shrek, I put all of my effort into rebuilding Fiona's character," Cross said. She taught herself to tap dance with advice from community dancers and had most of Fiona's songs memorized by the time auditions rolled around. Her hard work paid off as IT readers loved her quirky, charming and Disney-perfect performance of the ogre-turned-princess.
Fiona is a complex character with difficult song and dance numbers, and Cross didn't falter in her rendition. Every scene was filled with genuine warmth, infectious energy and a delightful stage presence that made her the star of the swamp.
Cross recently graduated from Lincoln Land Community College with an associate's degree in vocal performance. She is continuing her theatrical future by attending The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles this fall, a prestigious private conservatory for the performing arts.
Creating The Muni's magic brought her the most joy, particularly when she saw her character inspiring young audience members who came to watch Shrek the Musical.
"Fiona's character is so complex – from her isolated fears and obsession to be saved and loved, to her snappy remarks – it was an honor to tell her story," Cross said.
