Want to go?
WHAT: “Shrek the Musical”
WHERE: Miamisburg Memorial Auditorium, Park Avenue and Sixth Street, Miamisburg
WHEN: May 6-15; 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays
TICKETS: $9 for students/seniors; $11 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
MORE INFO: Call (937) 867-0353 or visit online at www.cpamburg.com
Family-friendly fun expressed joyfully, meaningfully and tunefully is a primary focus as Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg (CPAM) presents the 2009 Tony Award-nominated, fairy tale-driven “Shrek the Musical,” which begins performances Friday, May 6 at Memorial Auditorium in Miamisburg.
Based on the popular 2001 Academy Award-winning film of the same name and the book by William Steig, “Shrek” chronicles the adventure and romance between the titular swamp-dwelling ogre and the feisty Fiona, a beautiful princess he rescues from a dragon-guarded tower. Along the way, the endearing Shrek grows in self-esteem thanks to a talking, wisecracking Donkey while Fiona contemplates marrying evil Lord Farquaad or choosing what may be her true love.
“Throughout their journey Shrek, Fiona and Donkey come to understand they truly need each other,” said director/CPAM artistic director Donna Roth. “Their story is so relatable. It reminds us we are not alone. And because life is a journey, it’s the people we meet along the way that helps tell the story and move our lives forward. This show is like an onion with many layers which come together to create a fun atmosphere especially due to a strong, talented cast and a great artistic team. I hope we are able to show the layers of growth that has taken place as the students learned their roles and embraced the storytelling.”
“CPAM is truly a family and it has been so much fun to play Shrek,” said Bradley Scearce seen last fall as Franz in CPAM’s production of “Getting to Know….The Sound of Music.” “Shrek is very energetic but also introverted. I can relate to his introverted feelings. I’ve enjoyed figuring out how to uncover his layers emotionally.”
“Everyone can relate to this show in many different ways,” added Nicholas Bradley who portrays Donkey and was seen as Friedrick Von Trapp in “Sound of Music.” “It’s a fun show but also uplifting.”
“‘Shrek’ is pure joy,” echoed student director Lauryn Templeton who portrays Gingy and portrayed Brigitta Von Trapp in “Sound of Music.” “It’s so energetic and so funny.”
The large cast also includes Jessie Deaton as Princess Fiona, David Shockey as Lord Farquaad, Jenna Fazzari as Pinocchio, and Olivia Fogle as the Dragon.
Roth’s artistic team includes CPAM president Gail Wagner, choreographer Sheri “Sparkle” Williams of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, vocal director Stephanie Behr, scenic designer Chris Newman, set builder Melissa Smith, sound and lighting designer Tim Guth, costumer Tonia Scearce, orchestra conductor Chris Haines, and puppet designer D. Tristan Cupp of Zoot Theatre Company.
“The Miamisburg community is truly supporting us and taking an interest in what we’re doing,” Wagner said. “‘Shrek’ is a show families will love. And from an educational standpoint, the students have an opportunity to show their comedic skills. We’re also excited to have an orchestra for the first time. There will be 16 players from all over the area. Chris Haines, leader of the Hauer Swing Band, has conducted productions in the area for more than 25 years.”
The delightful score by composer Jeanine Tesori (“Fun Home,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie”) and lyricist/librettist/Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire (“Rabbit Hole”) includes “Big Bright Beautiful World,” “I Know It’s Today,” “Story of My Life,” “Morning Person,” and the lively “Freak Flag.”
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