By: Jen Cooper

The summer of 2013 has seen the return of a popular event from the previous summer…a performance at The Muny. The 11,000 seat outdoor amphitheater located in downtown St. Louis’ Forest Park will be host to seven new shows for the 2013 season. After the popularity of last year’s showings of Aladdin and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, the Muny and Pujols Family Foundation have partnered together again this year to bring the joy of the Muny to the families of the Pujols Family Foundation.

On Monday, June 24th sixty members of the Pujols Family Foundation met outside of the Muny in anticipation of a fun-filled night for the featured performance of Shrek: The Musical. As the families arrived and checked-in, they gathered at the benches and were catching up with one another. Some of the families were even wearing green clothes and jewelry in honor of everyone’s favorite green ogre.

As 6:00pm approached, our large group separated into two smaller groups to be escorted on a special private tour of the Muny. Guides from the theater led the group through the middle of the seats so that everyone had a view of the scale of the amphitheater before the public was able to enter. They were then brought down to the backstage area. The guide made several stops explaining how different aspects of the show work to put on a successful performance. The highlight of the backstage tour was getting the chance to stand on the stage, looking out into the seats. This gave everyone the opportunity to see what the actors see when they are performing on stage. The guides also shared some of the history of the Muny and even pointed out some of the trees that have been a part of the theaters landscape for almost one hundred years.

As the tours came to an end, the families were escorted over to a grassy area where they were able to enjoy the picnic dinners that they had brought. This was another great opportunity for the families to connect with one another and share their own experiences. As they were finishing up, the Muny Teens performing group started to attract the attention of those outside of the theater. Their singing and dancing was a great way to get everyone excited and prepared for the night’s performance on the main stage.

As the start of the show was quickly approaching, the families made their way to their seats. For many, this was their first time at the Muny. Although most were familiar with the movie Shrek, they were eager to see a familiar story paired with new songs. This night provided the families of the Pujols Family Foundation a wonderful experience that created memories and stories that they will be able to share for a long time to come.

We want to say a special thank you to The Muny for hosting the families of the Pujols Family Foundation and making the night special for all involved.