WEST POINT, Ala. – West Point High School (WPHS) joins the ranks of those bringing live arts and entertainment back to the stage with its production of “Shrek the Musical” this Friday through Sunday, April 9-11, 2021.
The Tony-winning Broadway show tells a familiar story for those who have seen the Dreamworks Animation mega-hit motion picture, but with a few interesting new twists and a musical score.
Music Theatre International, which licenses the production, offers this description:
“Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life onstage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears.
”‘Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….’ And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.
“Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities, including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all) and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.”
The show is directed by WPHS teacher Jimmy Harbison and librarian Kim Harbison.
Kim Harbison told The Tribune, “Our cast and crew consists of a very talented and diverse group of students; students who are involved in almost every other type of extracurricular activity at West Point. It is a blessing and a joy to work with such a wonderful group, and they are the reason we are part of this program. To see these students’ unique talents showcased while they do something they enjoy is quite an experience.
She continued, “We have some awesome singers and actors ready to present. Last year we didn’t get to perform our musical as planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing schools to be closed just three days prior to our planned production. Several of our cast members had been a part of that production, and they are especially glad, as we are, that theater is starting up once again.
“‘Shrek the Musical’ is a comedy, and we have thoroughly enjoyed learning this show with much laughter along the way. We hope to bring some laughter and enjoyment to our community as well.”
Live or livestream
Public shows will be in the WPHS auditorium and are scheduled for:
- Friday, April 9 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, April 11 at 2 p.m.
Each performance will also be livestreamed.
Tickets for both live performances and livestreams are available for purchase at
https://www.onthestage.com/show/west-point-high-school/Shrek-the-musical-63850
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