BWW Interviews: Saratoga Springs Theatre Co. Presents Regional Premiere of SHREK THE MUSICAL

Saratoga Springs Theatre Company will soon be the first theatre in Utah, and among the first in the nation, to produce the hilarious and poignant SHREK THE MUSICAL. An exceptionally talented local cast will bring the iconic Dreamworks animated film to life in a regional premiere.

SHREK THE MUSICAL will be presented on June 24, 28, and 29 at Vista Heights Middle School in Saratoga Springs, just 10 minutes from I-15. Single and family tickets, starting at $7, are on sale now at the theatre's website, sstheatreco.blogspot.com. More information about the 2013 season, including content guidelines, is also available there.

"I've enjoyed being in the show because of the vocal talent and experience many of the actors and actresses offer to the production," said Mesake Finau, who plays Donkey. "I love my part and enjoy developing such a fun character."

"The cast is so talented," said NeCole Joy Davidson, who plays Princess Fiona. "So it isn't really work. We can just have fun bringing our characters to life."

Shrek is a surly ogre who must save the Princess Fiona from a tower in order to reclaim his home from the small-statured tyrant Lord Farquaad. Along the way, he learns that things aren't always what they seem and that love can be found in the most unexpected places.

"It's a great family show, and it's hilarious on so many levels," said Finau. "I love the music and all the allusions it has to other shows. SHREK is just a really funny, sweet, and (surprisingly) touching story with a great message."

"As Shrek says in the musical, 'You've never read a book like this, but fairy tales should really be updated,'" said Davidson. "It is a new fairy tale to fall in love with. Because the characters are not perfect, I believe it is a story that so many people can relate to. People will love it!"

On the heels of a successful pilot production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC last summer, Saratoga Springs Theatre Company was recently formed under the Saratoga Springs Arts Council. The organization strives to offer high-quality, diverse live theatre experiences for performers and audiences in the area. As the theatre company is staffed entirely by volunteers, all funds raised through ticket sales go directly to finance the theatre and its efforts.

Photo Credit: Mara Hinton. NeCole Joy Davidson as Princess Fiona (L) and Travis Anderson as Shrek (R) participate in Saratoga Splash Days on June 15.

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