Shrek the Musical Comes to PSU

By Emily Holleran; For The Clock

On October 28, 2015

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Shrek is the socially awkward ogre that most people have come to know and love from the popular film franchise of the same name. Just like an onion, Shrek has many layers; one of these being his ability to sing.

Shrek the Musical is based on the 2001 DreamWorks film Shrek and William Steig's 1990 book Shrek!. The musical is a blend of both the film and the book. It brings the much-loved characters to life in an all-singing, all- dancing adventure. The themes found in the script, and the wonderful score by Jeanine Tesori, winner of a 2015 Tony for Fun Home, make Shrek the Musical an enjoyable experience for all. How does one capture the colorful characters of the Shrek universe, such as the diminutive Lord Farquaad and the self-reliant Princess Fiona, and make them sing and dance? It is difficult translating a movie to the stage given that they are two different art forms, yet a community theatre group has taken on the formidable task.

The Educational Theatre Collaborative, known as ETC, has been doing shows connected with PSU since 1995, most recently performing The Sound of Music last year. ETC is a wonderful opportunity for the University and the community to work together to create a large-scale musical production, a children's arts festival, an integrated arts conference for educators, and a state-wide art exhibit. Patricia Lindberg, Artistic Director and Producer of Shrek the Musical, has the important job of organizing the musical in the limited amount of time they are given. “It typically takes about eight hours to do the schedule for the first week, as so many things need to be taken into account. I do weekly schedules because we have so many people involved with busy lives, and they need to be able to plan. We warn folks that because we will only have 17 days this year, that the rehearsal schedule will be intense. The best part though, is that we have a great time together so the time goes by quickly,” said Lindberg. Part of Lindberg’s most important job is to keep in mind that they are telling a story to the audience that uses music and dance and acting to do so. To tell that story in a way that moves the audience in some way is an effective way in which the audience can essentially enter the play.

ETC happens through the efforts of many people: graphic designer, Sally Grand, has been working with ETC for many years, ever since her own daughter Annie True D'Elia was a part of ETC. Grand works extremely hard on ETC's posters, publicity and program. Another essential part of the team are the incredible professionals working at Silver Center: Stuart Crowell, Bob Bruemmer and Heather Manfredi, who work on building sets, hanging lights, and managing all technical aspects of the production. “Each and every individual involved with ETC has something incredible to offer. My job is to find what that is and to orchestrate it all together into a positive and engaging piece for the audience,” said Lindberg.

As with any production, the friendships and camaraderie that develop during the process of creating the musical are present at ETC. Both children and adults come together and learn from each other to create something Shrek-tacular. “It is amazing to me what people can do when everyone is pulling in the same direction to make magic,” said Lindberg.

This year's production of Shrek The Musical will begin rehearsals on Jan. 2 and will open on Jan. 20, giving about two and a half weeks for rehearsal. ETC is hoping to have many PSU students, faculty and staff as well as community members involved in the cast. Auditions are Nov. 1-3, and anyone interested should call Brenda Gleich at 535-2803 to schedule an audition. Tickets are available by contacting the Silver Center Box Office at (603) 535-ARTS and at silver. plymouth.edu.

COURTESY PHOTO/PLYMOUTH.EDU