Follow adventures of lovable green ogre in ‘Shrek the Musical’
Liam Hunsaker, Darin Beardall and Katelynn Ostler, left to right, star in "Shrek the Musical," opening June 10 at the Terrace Plaza Playhouse in Washington Terrace.
Darin Beardall is Shrek and Katelynn Ostler is Fiona in "Shrek the Musical," opening June 10 at the Terrace Plaza Playhouse in Washington Terrace.
Liam Hunsaker stars as Donkey in "Shrek the Musical," which opens June 10 at the Terrace Plaza Playhouse in Washington Terrace.
Katelynn Ostler stars as Fiona in "Shrek the Musical," which opens June 10 at the Terrace Plaza Playhouse in Washington Terrace.
From left, Liam Hunsaker, Darin Beardall and Katelynn Ostler star in "Shrek the Musical," opening June 10 at the Terrace Plaza Playhouse in Washington Terrace.
WASHINGTON TERRACE — The Terrace Plaza Playhouse celebrates summer musicals with its production of ”Shrek the Musical,” opening June 10.
The cast of 75 has been rehearsing since early spring with veteran director Charlene Adams at the helm. Adams has directed several shows at the Terrace and said she looks forward to bringing this one to life.
“With a cast of over 70 people there have been many challenges and logistical difficulties, but when all the elements come together and work, it’s true joy to me,” Adams said. “From words on a page to a living, breathing world on stage. It’s truly a sight to see.”
Because the Terrace’s “Mary Poppins” was in full production until just last week, Adams held several practices for “Shrek” at her new music and theater studio, Pitched Perfectly, in Layton.
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Katelynn Ostler, a Syracuse resident who stars as Fiona in the show, said rehearsing at the studio was a great help for the large cast.
“We had several different areas for everyone to go for their different scenes and we could come together when we needed to,” Ostler said.
This is Ostler’s first show at the Terrace; “Everyone has been so, so nice. It’s been a great experience,” she said.
PREVIEW
• WHAT: “Shrek the Musical”
• WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Friday-Saturday June 10-July 30
• WHERE: Terrace Plaza Playhouse, 99 E. 4700 South, Washington Terrace
• ADMISSION: $12-$14/adults, $11-$13/students and seniors, $9-$11/12-under; $84/seven-show season ticket. Visit the website or buy at box office.
Ostler said she likes “Shrek” because it has the perfect combination of elements for a musical.
“There’s humor, beautiful music, dancing, a love story, funny dancing, everything you need,” Ostler said.
Adams agrees, explaining in an email interview, “‘Shrek’ is a big fun show that reminds us that it’s OK to accept who we are. It breaks down prejudices and stereotypes to get to the heart of what we all have in common — our needs, desires, hopes and dreams.”
The show has all the characters from the well-loved animated movie and is set in the mythical once-upon-a-time sort of land with a hulking green ogre.
Shrek has been mocked and feared his entire life, a synopsis on the theater’s website explains. His green swampland is invaded by a gang of homeless fairy-tale characters who say Lord Farquaad kicked them out of their homes. Shrek agrees to get their homes back if they give him his home back. In the process, Lord Farquaad strikes a deal with Shrek — Shrek must rescue Princess Fiona. Shrek agrees, but then finds he likes Princess Fiona quite a bit.
Ostler loves playing Princess Fiona because she’s not the traditional princess. “She’s down-to-earth and she’s proud of who she is. She’s not typical and she’s kind of crazy,” she said.
Adams said the show is a perfect summer night out for families — plus there are several families appearing in the cast.
“We love families at the playhouse,” she said.
In addition to Ostler, Darin Beardall stars as Shrek with Liam Hunsaker as Donkey.