George Hiku as Donkey, Hannah Spedding as Fiona and Matt Henderson as Shrek.
George Hiku as Donkey, Hannah Spedding as Fiona and Matt Henderson as Shrek.
Tauranga audiences are in for a treat this September when Stage Right Trust brings 'SHREK: The Musical' to the stage at Baycourt's Addison Theatre.
It will be the first time a theatre company has produced the Broadway show in New Zealand, and for many locals seeing it live in Tauranga will be their first glimpse of the loveable green ogre on stage.
The musical is based on the 2001 film of the same name, which was a huge hit at the time for both children and their parents. It follows the adventures of Shrek, a gruff ogre who is roped into a quest for a princess after a host of fairy tale characters invade his swamp.
See Shrek on stage in Tauranga.
The feel-good comedy is family-friendly, but director Toni Henderson says there's plenty of humour in the show for adults too.
"SHREK has wide audience appeal, with an adult cast and plenty of 'Dad' jokes for parents, while the content remains suitable for children."
It's the second show for new theatre company Stage Right, which debuted late last year with a slick production of 'Blood Brothers' at Baycourt's X Space.
Toni says 'Blood Brothers' succeeded on the strength of its cast, and she's pleased to have a number of strong local actors filling the roles in SHREK.
"SHREK is a high energy show with colourful characters and large chorus numbers. We are very lucky to have a very strong and experienced cast playing the wide range of fairy tale characters that bring SHREK to life. Many of our chorus members are seasoned lead performers whose experience and talent adds strength to the overall production."
For many locals seeing it live in Tauranga this will be their first glimpse of the loveable green ogre on stage. Photos / George Novak
A live orchestra of 15 musicians, led by Murray Mason, will also complement the production, and a number of backstage crew will be involved managing the elaborate set.
"Being the first to stage SHREK in New Zealand, the set and costumes have been created from scratch. The cast of 35 have on average three costumes each, while the set has been designed by Ben Hambling and includes a castle tower, a swamp and a very large moving dragon."
Toni says the set and costumes are being made in a way that enables them to be hired by other groups in New Zealand staging SHREK in the future.
YOU Travel Tauranga in conjunction with Royal Caribbean Cruises, which hosts performances by SHREK characters on their ships, have also organised one lucky person from the audience from each show to win a delicious lunch on board a luxurious Royal Caribbean ship when she comes to Tauranga this summer.
