By Alisha Hagey and Jason Hagey
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem, Utah presents their vision of Shrek the Musical with passion and pleasure. With an enormous cast, the stage is filled with vibrant performers and if there is any kind of negativity going on behind the scenes, it is invisible to the audience. The bright smiles and sheer love of performing seems to radiate from every actor. SCERA Shell’s designers and actors have created a thrilling and fun production meant for every member of your family.
Shrek the Musical is based on the . It is your classic story of a handsome (ish) ogre meeting a beautiful (when she accepts herself) bipolar princess who together ride off into happily-ever-after on their faithful and noble (wise-cracking) steed who just happens to be a donkey. You know, the usual fairytale.
I have seen this production performed many times – from the to elementary school versions. Regardless of ability level, every cast of this particular show all share one thing in common: joy. There is something fun, endearing, and relatable in this delightful adaptation (that surpasses its original source material). Every production has their own quirks and fun additions and the SCERA’s showing is no different. There is a charming addition that happens right in the beginning. In the middle of “Big Bright Beautiful World”, Brittney Wallace (Fiona) struts out, breaks the fourth wall, telling the audience that we are now watching her story, watching “Fiona the Musical.” It is exciting and sets the tone for the rest of the evening. It is this joy and this creativity that follow each production of Shrek, making them unique and always leaving you wondering what is going to happen next.
The menagerie of quirky characters come out in what appears to be a mad costume party. Boy, does it look like they are having splendid fun. What is best, they invite the audience to their party and we have the opportunity of snickering at their popular culture laden quips and their ridiculous asides and ad libs. The scenes that feature this cavalcade of fairytale creatures are the most fun. “Story Of My Life” is full of so much energy and excitement. Of course, the wonderful anthem “Freak Flag” took that same energy level and raised it to an eleven. It is the showstopper.
Community theatre is always laced with problems. Funding and a talent pool are frequently at the forefront of this battle. Somehow, the SCERA has created a legacy and connection to their community in a way that is truly refreshing. There is a commitment of staff, of volunteers, of faithful returning audience members, that support this venue in their now 34th season of the outdoor theater. It is this that draws in talent summer after summer.
As a standout tonight in the surprising pool of actors is Teanca Rossouw (Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy/Duloc Dancer/Rat). This young woman is delightful and has a fantastic voice. I don’t know how she became involved but I hope she continues to come back to share her talent with our community.
Headlining the production are actors Kyle Baugh (Shrek), Wallace (Fiona), and Josh Needles (Donkey). Baugh carries the role of Shrek. The role is demanding, requiring levels of pathos and pleasure throughout. He has to roll quickly between his own insecurities to being in love to anger. Baugh keeps up with the demands and makes the character his own. You would never know that Wallace hasn’t been on the stage for 13 years, dedicating that time to the raising of 5 children. She’s fresh, vibrant, and charismatic as the fiery, sometimes flatulent redhead. Needles has great comic timing, a willingness to let go and give every scene his full energy, and an unabashed need to connect with the audience. The greatest surprise the three of them possess is chemistry.
Other favorites in the cast include Tanner Perkins (Lord Farquaad), Alakina Mills (Young Fiona), Isabella Hixson (Teen Fiona), and McKenna Hixson (as Mama Bear). They are all dedicated to their roles. Farquaad is a role that requires as much physical prowess as it does acting and singing ability. The tall Perkins sacrifices his knees for our viewing pleasure. He works the audience with no small skill. When the three Fionas sing together, there is so much give and take between them. No one is trying to upstage the other, thus the harmonies are stronger for the collaboration. I caught my 14-year-old having to hold herself back – she wanted to join in with them so much. McKenna Hixson comes out of the masses and leads a charge both with presence and voice.
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Shawn M. Mortensen pulls double duty as the Director and Scenic Designer. His direction is playful and his scenic design is versatile. Brandalee Streeter has the daunting task of being the Music Director with such a large and diverse cast. Sunny Watts does a great job as the Choreographer, helping utilize the varying abilities of those she works with; helping them all to shine. Kelsey Seaver also has an overwhelming job of designing costumes. There are so many costumes and costume changes. Great job to her entire team. Christy Norton is the Properties Designer and she and her team have the delightful task of creating exploding (or seemingly exploding) birds, large dragons, and an oversized cutting board with equally large baking utensils.
If you’re looking to take your family outside to have some fun, consider going to the SCERA Shell for the night. The venue gets cool after sundown – you may consider jackets and blankets – and there is general admission seats on the grass or reserved seating sections with white outdoor chairs. Regardless of where you sit, you are in for a ruckus evening of fun and laughter. Be sure to let your own freak flag fly and bring your whole family to join in the excitement.
SCERA Center for the Arts presents Shrek the Musical by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori
SCERA Center for the Arts, SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, SCERA Park, 699 State St, Orem, UT 84058
June 8 – June 23, 2018 on Monday, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 PM
Tickets: $10-16, Group rates available
Contact: 801-225-ARTS
SCERA Shell Facebook Page
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