Pentacle Theatre presents Shrek the Musical in March

Tickets are selling quickly for Pentacle’s stage production of the beloved comedy Shrek the Musical

Most people are familiar with Shrek, if not from William Steig’s picture book, then from the blockbuster animated trilogy…but now, it’s time to see the story in a different light—up-close, live and in person when Pentacle Theatre brings the beloved musical comedy to life on stage.

Shrek the Musical is a mythical adventure saga about a hulking green ogre, homeless fairytale characters, an obnoxious lord and a pretty princess, who is more than she seems.

The play is the right combination of story and humor wrapped in a classic, relatable tale.

“Shrek is an antihero. He’s not super likable but you can see he’s just misunderstood living in a world where he doesn’t look how he expected to,” said Director Robert Salberg. “The story of feeling like you’re a loner or like you don’t belong or are being judged—all the things Shrek feels, Fiona feels, Donkey feels—are relatable to most people on any level.”

Plus, all the things people expect from the movie exist in the stage version supplemented with even better songs and music—music that drives the story forward and serves the show like music should, said Robert. “The music is fun and super witty. Witty enough to where adults may be chuckling to themselves.”

Robert, who has been directing at Pentacle since 2009, and a musical every year, said “This, hands down, is probably one of the most talented groups I have worked with.”

Eighty-five people answered the musical’s casting call.

“I had so many people audition, I could have cast the show five different ways,” Robert said. “It took me a good week to cast the show, and a lot of that was figuring out ‘is there a way I can use more of these people?’”

“I intended on having a cast of 30. I have 36. I really didn’t want to let some of them go.”

Robert attributes the immense interest to a few things—the time of year, well-known title and “people just really like Shrek.” Plus, he said, there are a lot of opportunities due to how many roles are involved in the show. The greater opportunity makes it more likely that people will take a chance.

Even with 36 cast members, many play multiple parts and in order to help facilitate quick costume change there is a dynamic use of prosthetics involved to help easily transition from one character to another. And despite being from fairy tales, creatures are not necessarily literal, but rather interpretations with a modern twist. “But the essence of who they are is captured.”

Robert is fortunate to have a Hollywood make-up artist working on the show. “We’re going to have, based on what I have seen, some of the most detailed and professional makeup that we have ever had on Pentacle’s stage”

From a directorial standpoint, Robert is confident with both cast and crew. He has right people with the right expertise helping bring his vision of Shrek alive. And most of all, they are having fun. “Rehearsals in general have been lively and full of laughter. That’s been really nice.”

Don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy that laughter yourself. The show runs March 3-25 and limited tickets are left.