After wowing audiences last March, “Shrek: The Musical” left many wondering who played the lovable titular ogre. Senior vocal performance major James Wright III donned green face paint and a Scottish accent as he transformed into Shrek. Like ogres and onions, Wright shows that his acting and musical performances are layered.
Wright perfectly balanced Shrek’s dueling personality, representing the ogre’s cynicism and romanticism. He maintained Shrek’s grumpy, unhappy façade while offering the audience glimpses into the ogre’s sensitive, romantic nature. As the musical progressed, the audience watched with joy as Shrek let down his guard and fell in love with Princess Fiona.
The role of Shrek required Wright to stretch his vocal talents, singing over 20 different songs. Wright’s soothing baritone voice paired perfectly with tenors such as Braden Tucker and Preston Anderson. His duets with LeAnn Hammons’ Princess Fiona impressed audience members, resulting in resounding applause.
“‘Shrek: The Musical’ is personally my favorite musical, and it was such an honor and a dream come true playing the role of Shrek,” Wright said.
Wright’s passion for theatre and acting stems from his childhood. When he turned four, Wright joined his church’s youth choir. By singing hymnals and praises, he developed an undeniable love for music. Once Wright entered high school, his passion for music grew, and he began competing in statewide vocal competitions.
The transition from high school to college allowed Wright to branch out into unfamiliar territory, including opera and musical theatre. Wright joined ULM’s School of Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) and almost immediately became a staple performer. He played the ghoulish butler Lurch in the 2021 spring production of “The Addams Family.”
“Coming to ULM as a freshman, I knew that I wanted to pursue music, which is such a broad term that could mean anything,” Wright said. But with VAPA’s ever-encouraging and caring staff, they helped me find my love and potential in classical, opera, and Broadway music.”
During his sophomore year, Wright showcased his acting abilities as Tom Robinson in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” He acted as the heart of the production, playing a wrongly convicted Black man living in Alabama during the 1930s. Wright heart-wrenchingly portrayed Robinson’s silent struggle against the racial prejudices of the Jim Crow South.
Wright continued to show his knack for playing tragic characters with his performance in the 2022 production of “Street Scene.” He devoted himself to the role of Frank Maurrant, a drunk, emotionally abusive stagehand who commits a brutal double murder. Wright’s operatic solos stunned viewers as he displayed his impressive vocal range.
Other notable performances of Wright’s include the role of the tough-as-nails comfort counselor in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and the sleek bartender in “Speed Dating Tonight!”
Since his debut in 2021, he has appeared in almost every fall and spring production, whether an opera or musical.
“Acting and theatre is a way of self-expression and identity that I wish I pursued much earlier in life,” Wright said. “It’s like an awaiting adventure because we all never know what shows or characters we are going to do next.”
Wright expressed his excitement about continuing to perform as a VAPA member next year. He encouraged students interested in theatre to join VAPA, a decision he has never regretted.
“If you have ever felt the pull of doing theatre, by all means necessary, take the chance, and you will have no regrets!” Wright said.