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Washington Evening Journal
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Vocal Music and Masqued Tigers hard at work ahead of musical
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
The invitation to New London’s “Shrek the Musical” performance is clearly stated on the Performing Arts Facebook page.
“Come on down to the swamp and see what all of the fuss is about,” it reads. “Join Shrek on his journey to get his swamp back and save the princess, all while trying to figure out how to get the Donkey that keeps following him to quit talking!”
Show dates on March 7 and 8 are rapidly approaching. It is time to make room in your schedule for ogre-sized family fun. The auditorium is being transformed into a lovely swamp. “Shrek the Musical” features music by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. The 2001 DreamWorks Animation film about the titular character provides the basis for the work. It also includes elements of the sequels: Shrek 2, Shrek Forever After and William Steig's 1990 book Shrek! The songs and story resulted in a Tony Award production.
The fairy tale adventure features all new songs. Jeanine Tesori is well known for her work in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and “Caroline.” David Lindsay-Abaire wrote a hysterically funny book to go with his lyrics. His Shrek creates an atmosphere in which the film characters come to life on stage. His version begins with the traditional "Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek …"
The story continues and includes the wisecracking Donkey and the princess who doesn’t want to be rescued. Throw in all the fairy tale misfits and the unlikely hero, Shrek, emerges to clean up the mess. Even though the story is well known, the fun is continuous. The surprises remain. Everyone joins Shrek in interpreting beauty through his eyes. The Performing Arts group truly shows its creativity.
