He is the swamp-dwelling ogre who only wants to be left alone but has become adored by generations.
Now after four animated features and a Tony-nominated musical, Shrek and his crew are moving into the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre for a two-week run of “Shrek the Musical,” June 1 – 17.
Heading up the cast is East Kentwood High School teacher Scott Mellema who portray’s Shrek. Mellema is the head of the theater department at East Kentwood High School along with teaching English. He has participated in a number of shows serving as director for Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s “Les Miserables” and “Avenue Q” and director for Actors’ Theatre’s “Chess.”
Based on cartoonist Will Steig’s book “Shrek!” and the 2001 DreamWorks movie of the same title, the musical follows Shrek as he is made an orphan by his parents and finds a place of his own in the swamp only to have it invaded by a cast of familiar fairytale characters. The reason being is that Lord Farquaad has cast out all such characters from his town. So Shrek makes a deal with Lord Farquaad and sets out with his faithful steed, Donkey, to find a princess for the Lord to marry, but who captures the princess’s heart may surprise everyone.
The show is recommended for children ages 8 and up. Performances are Wednesday – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 – $37. For more information, visit grct.org or call 222-6650.
