Evan Froslie (Shrek) and Ashlyn Kanuch (Fiona) star in the Gooseberry Park group’s production. Davie Judd, who plays Donkey, is behind them.
Nancy Edmonds Hanson
Does “Shrek the Musical” – the Gooseberry Park Players’ annual production – speak to the moment? Managing artistic director Scott Brusven believes it does.
“Underneath the fairy tale, there’s a powerful message about identity, inclusion and the courage it takes to be exactly who you are,” the director suggests. The light-hearted musical opens Thursday, July 17, and continues through Sunday, then resumes July 24-26. Performances are at 7 on July 17, 18, 24 and 25; 2 p.m. Matinees are on July 19, 20 and 26.
He explains: “In a time when political discourse often emphasizes division, fear of difference, and drawing lines between ‘us’ and ‘them,’ Shrek offers a counter-narrative. Here’s the story of an outcast – an ogre – who learns that what makes him different is exactly what makes him strong. The story challenges the idea that only those who fit a narrow definition of ‘normal’ or ‘beautiful’ deserve love, happiness and belonging. It reminds us that true community isn’t built on sameness. It’s built on acceptance and differences.”
Sixty-two F-M children take part in the lively musical, punctuated by many music and dance ensembles involving dozens of actors. A talking donkey, a princess with a secret, a dragon with heart, and a band of fairy-tale “freaks” come together with the troll who’s the production’s namesake to form an unlikely family, all of them free to be their full, weird, magical selves.
This summer the Gooseberry troupe is back in its original indoor home, Concordia College’s Frances Frazier Comstock Theater, after several years at Horizon Middle School. While the venue is smaller, Brusven says it has advantages, especially the elevated pitch of the seating. “They’re closer – right there looking the performances in the face,” he points out. “Performers feed on their positive energy.”
The production team includes choreographer Colby Schwartzwalter, himself a veteran of 15 years with the summer acting company. Hannah Overbey and Lauren Kueper are co-music directors, with scenic design by Nick Schons and Elijah Holman, costuming by Angolie Lo, and lighting by Joshua Hallaway. Rob Rachow is technical director, and Jo Marie Fike leads the pit orchestra.
Tickets are available online at https://gooseberryparkplayers.org/tickets/ Adult admission is $18.99; seniors, $16.99; and students/children, $12.99. VIP seating in the best seats in the house is available at $25.99.
