The cast of Shrek pictured left to right Josh Tangermann,Kylie Monar, Napoleon Jelks and Montana Rose. (Evan Solano/Citrus College Clarion)
By Anne Marie Miranda | Staff Writer
That ornery ogre that we all know and love, along with his “noble steed” and friends travel from Fairy Tale Land to share their happy-ending story with Citrus College.
The Citrus College musical theatre workshop presents “Shrek the Musical,” based on the DreamWorks animation motion picture.
The musical gives more background than the animated film and introduces new characters adding twists to the story the audience think they already know.
Shrek rescues the enchanted princess Fiona from her tower in order to regain the rights to his swamp that is invaded by the fairy tale characters sent there by Lord Farquaad the conniving Lord of Duloc.
Among the songs introduced in the musical are “I Know it’s Today,” which reveals the true isolation princess Fiona feels having been locked in a tower since she was seven years old.
Other songs included in the musical are, “Freak Flag,” “Who I’d Be,” “What’s Up, Duloc,” and the classic Monkeys tune from the movie, “I’m a Believer.”
Along the way Shrek has to overcome obstacles like putting up with a loud, sarcastic donkey and a fire-breathing dragon.
I sat down and chatted with some of the main performers in the show: Shrek played by Josh Tangermann, Fiona played by Kylie Molnar, Prince Charming played by Napoleon Jelks and Queen Lillian played by Montana Rose.
Q: How many people auditioned for “Shrek?”
JT: “For the actual production of Shrek, I think about 60 people auditioned but for the Role of Shrek, I only know of about five people.”
Q: How was the audition?
JT: “The audition was incredibly nerve wracking. Even though the folks behind the table want us to do well, they are still incredibly difficult to perform in front of.”
Q: What has been the most challenging part of the production?
JT: “The most difficult part about the process I would have to say just getting the character down. People don’t often play an ogre so, it’s difficult. Thinking about being 400 pounds and green doesn’t come very easily to most people.”
Q: How do you and your co-star Fiona interact?
JT: “Kylie, who plays Fiona, and I get along really well. She’s very talented and such a wonderful person. Being on stage with her is tons of fun, even though she can be a pain in the butt.”
Q: What do you think people will like about the performance?
KM: “I think that people are really going to love the lightheartedness of the show. The show has a great story about friendship and love that I think many people can relate too just maybe not the green, ogre part. Also, the fun characters and costumes.”
Q: What is your favorite musical number?
NJ : “My favorite number is “What’s Up, Duloc” and “I’m a Believer.” Rehearsal has been fun, learning all the dances and songs. We have rehearsals everyday and we work our butts off. I’m glad I auditioned.”
JT: “My favorite number is “Who I’d Be.” It’s such a wonderful emotional moment for Shrek, and I love the story that he is able to share with the lyrics. But, on top of all of that, it hits really close to home for me.”
KM: “My favorite is “Freak Flag.” I really enjoy watching them come more and more into their character each time they perform it! The song is just so fun and all about being yourself.
Q: Do you have any advice for people who want to try out for future musicals here at Citrus?
KM: “My advice to anyone who wants to get into musical theater is to do it, work hard, and be confident in yourself. Take dance classes. So many people can sing, but if you can dance as well that gives you a one up. It’s all about believing in yourself and your talent.”
Q: What are you most excited about for this performance?
NJ : “I’m excited for everyone to see the show, everyone has worked really hard and I know it’s going to pay off. |
Q: What part do you play in the musical?
MR: “I play Queen Lillian, Fiona’s mom. I also play Little Bo Peep.”
Q: What do you think the audience will get out of it?
MR: “It’s a fun, clever show. The music is upbeat and quirky. We’ve got a great cast. We’ve worked really hard and I think the audience will get out of it a show that is visually gorgeous, technically genius, vocally stunning and professional grade.”
Come check out the show on April 11 at 8 p.m. and April 12, 13, at 2 p.m. in the Haugh Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $22 for students, $20 for seniors ad children and children are $15.
