SHREK: THE MUSICAL Plays Limited Engagement in Indianapolis, Now thru 7/27

The community theatre production of SHREK, based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film of the same name, runs today, July 11 - 27 at Footlite Musicals as part of the 2014/2015 Footlite Musicals Season. Tickets are currently on sale and are available in person at the Footlite Musicals Box Office at 1847 N Alabama Street (day of show only) or at SHREKIndy.com.

Set in a mythical "once upon a time" sort of land, Shrek the Musical is the story of a hulking green ogre who, after being mocked and feared his entire life by anything that crosses his path, retreats to an ugly green swamp to exist in happy isolation. Suddenly, a gang of homeless fairy-tale characters (Pinocchio, Cinderella, the Three Pigs, you name it) raids his sanctuary, saying the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad has evicted them. So Shrek strikes a deal: I'll get your homes back, if you give me my home back! But when Shrek and Farquaad meet, the Lord strikes a deal of his own: He'll give the fairy-tale characters their homes back, if Shrek rescues Princess Fiona. Shrek obliges, yet finds something appealing-something strange and different-about this pretty princess. He likes her. A lot. But why does she always run off when the sun sets?

Based on the contemporary fairy-tale book and the animated film it inspired, Shrek the Musical uses an all-new score to expand on the movie's original story. (You get to know Shrek as a kid, for instance.) There's a lot for the eyes and ears to ogle over: spectacular sets, innovative scene changes, puppets of all sizes, plus a very large and energetic cast. Like the movie, there are pop-culture references galore and plenty of laughs, many which involve bodily noises. That might be a turn-off for some, but there's also a good moral and traditional happy ending.

Kids will love everything about Shrek. The songs are catchy. The production delivers many cool sights and sounds. And with so many familiar-looking characters running around onstage, this is easily one of the most attention-grabbing productions. And obviously they'll get some giggles from
the potty humor. Put it this way: If you think the movie's OK for your kids, this will be, too. But if you're not ready to introduce them to PG-rated wisecracks, maybe you should hold off.

The cast includes: Ryan England as Shrek; Lauren Russel as Fiona; Antonio King as Donkey; Jonathan Krouse as Lord Farquaad; and Conner Chamberlin as Pinocchio; Shawnte Gaston as the Dragon; and Amy Roberds as Gingy.

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