If you go
› What: “Shrek the Musical”› Where: Signal Mountain Playhouse, 205 Rolling Way› When: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, July 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 and 27-28› Admission: $15 ages 13 and older, $5 ages 12 and younger; cash only› For more information: 423-764-7219
Greg Glover is cast in the title role of Shrek in the Signal Mountain Playhouse's production of "Shrek the Musical." Playhouse newcomer Kara Funke is Fiona. (Photo: Sheila Cannon)Signal Mountain Playhouse is opening a musical 'Shrek-tacular' on Friday, July 6, as its annual summer production.
"Shrek the Musical" will be presented on Friday and Saturday nights through the month of July in the playhouse amphitheater. WRCB news anchor Greg Glover is cast in the title role of the cynical ogre who just wants to be left alone in his swamp, but is sent on an epic quest with his sassy donkey sidekick.
"Shrek The Musical" is based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film "Shrek" and William Steig's book of the same name. The book and lyrics for the musical are by David Lindsay-Abaire with music by Jeanine Tesori. The Broadway production opened in 2008, and ran for just over a year before a U.S. tour began in 2010.
As the story opens, Shrek is content to live alone in a swamp when a band of fairy-tale characters show up at his door. They've been banished from the Kingdom of Duloc by the evil Lord Farquaad, under penalty of death if they return to their homes, and they inform Shrek that he, too, has lost his home.
Shrek decides to travel to Farquaad and regain his swamp and the homes of the fairy-tale characters. Along the way, Shrek rescues a talkative donkey from some of Farquaad's guards. In return for rescuing him, Donkey insists on accompanying Shrek to Duloc.
Meanwhile, Farquaad learns that Princess Fiona is trapped in a castle, guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. Farquaad decides to marry her to become king, but demands that Shrek rescue Fiona in exchange for his home.
Will the fairy-tale people get their home back? Will Shrek discover Fiona has a secret of her own? Will citizens of Duloc get past the ogre's looks to see his heart is as big as his size?
The musical is perfect for all ages because children will delight in the storybook characters included - Pinocchio, Ugly Duckling, Sugar Plum Fairy, Three Little Pigs, Gingerbread Man, Wicked Witch, Big Bad Wolf - but the humor is clever enough to make adults laugh out loud. It's a heartwarming show with its message of inclusion.
Joel D. Scribner is making his playhouse directing debut, although he has been actively involved in local theater for more than 30 years.
Dr. Jennifer Arbogast Wilson, on the faculty of Chattanooga State Community College, is choreographing the show. Returning as musical director is Michael Huseman, and Nicholas Hartline, also a member of the Chattanooga State faculty, is conducting the orchestra.
The box office opens for ticket sales at 6 p.m. before the show starts at 8 o'clock. In the hours between, patrons may set up their lawn chairs and enjoy concessions on-site. Portable toilets are available on Playhouse grounds.
The Playhouse is located on the corner of Rolling Way and James Boulevard, a short walk off Ridgeway Avenue, or Highway 127 N.
For more information about "Shrek the Musical," check the website at smph.org or call 423-764-7219.
THE CAST
Shrek: Greg GloverFiona: Kara FunkeDonkey: Austin MasseyLord Farquaad: Richard NicholsGingy: Lorien MadduxPinocchio: Maddy MeierYoung Fiona: Finley BurnettTeenage Fiona: Molly BurnettMama Ogre: Samantha TeeterPapa Ogre: Mark OglesbyKing Harold: Dennis ParkerQueen Lillian: Jennifer BaggettDragon: Rebecca Gilmore