By Kyle Poluyko
Paramount Live! is proudly bringing one of Broadway’s most recent hit movie adaptations, Shrek The Musical, to the stage. Set in a far-away kingdom, Shrek The Musical turns the fairytale upside-down when an unseemly ogre—not a handsome prince—shows up to rescue a feisty princess.
“Shrek The Musical has many themes that shine through in the script, making it a perfect match for Paramount Live!” says assistant director Lawrence Badanai. “It’s about a hero’s journey, who must deal with his own isolation and loneliness, but through his adversity he finds companionship in the friends he meets along the way.”
Director Candi Badanai leads the cast of 30 young actors through their blocking and choreography, and has even had some of the kids contributing dance steps into the show’s routines. “Working together we’ve made it a true openly creative environment for these students to learn in,” she says. And for some, the show has become a family affair. “A few parents have gotten really involved and are stitching up a storm for this production,” she says. “They have been making plenty of costumes that outfit the entire ensemble of fairy tale creatures, guards, and naturally the lead characters.”
Some of the cast members have been involved with Paramount Live! for many years. Fae Alexander plays Fiona, and Micaela Morrow, who was last seen on the Paramount stage as Tracy in the musical Hairspray, plays the noble steed, or rather Donkey. Shrek is played by Spencer Hari, who doubles as a vocal coach making him one talented oger!
See Shrek The Musical at the Paramount Theatre at 7:30 pm on June 5, 6, and 7. Tickets are available at Wiggles and Giggles and are $12 for adults and $8 for children.
