by Alan Viau
Once upon a time in a swamp, there lived a grumpy ogre called Shrek.
Grumpy, but loveable—and entertaining. That’s why you don’t want to miss Shrek The Musical, presented by Suzart Productions at Centrepointe Studio Theatre December 5 to 8. It is guaranteed to be great family fun to begin the holiday season.
This version of Shrek has music by Jeanine Tesori with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. It is based on the 2001 DreamWorks film Shrek and William Steig‘s 1990 book Shrek! The Broadway production of the show received twelve Drama Desk Award and eight Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical and two acting awards … and now it’s coming to Ottawa!
Shrek is an unorthodox hero, but a hero nonetheless. He just looks a little different and sees the world in a different way. He is someone who is misunderstood, different and bullied but underneath that tough outer shell is a hurt character with a big heart. Shrek follows his heart, overcomes adversity and finds friendship and love along the way.
Shrek the Musical is about the impossible becoming possible for a group of misunderstood creatures. The director, Sue Dacey, loves this message. “It is about including everyone in our lives. People should be accepted for who they are and not as they appear. Beauty is only skin deep and in the eye of the beholder,” quips Dacey. Her favorite part of the show is the Freak Flag because everyone gets to party no matter who they are or who is waving the flag of individuality.
The message is timeless and the show will appeal to the child in all of us. Funny and extremely relevant, Shrek the Musical also serves up everything from fart jokes to heart wrenching ballads to references poking fun at Disney, Dreamgirls, Bob Fosse and Stephen Schwartz.
“The costumes and sets will pull together the captivating cast who will draw the audience into their world of being accepted,” says Dacey. Shrek the Musical is playing December 5 to 8 at Centrepointe Studio Theatre, Ben Franklin Place – 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa.
Tickets are available at the Centrepointe Box Office
