Saturday, February 8, 2014

Curtain Up Light the Lights Shrek (the Musical) Opens in Punta Gorda Tonight


The long awaited curtain will rise tonight on Shrek the Musical at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center presented by Charlotte High School.  Last night students worked through a final dress rehearsal in anticipation of tonight's opening.



Bailey Tietsworth, in costume for the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad practiced walking on his knees as his tiny fake legs dangled before him.


Christopher Craib helped pretty mouse, Jaeda Beverly, with last minute costume adjustments.


Now in costume for the dress rehearsal, Fairy Melanie Moenning excitedly anticipated her moment on the stage.


Mylee Bitner eager to get the show on the road was in the wings before rehearsal of her solo part as the shoemaker's elf in "That's the Story of My Life" in the first act.




Joe Parent, as Pinocchio, will lead a a phalanx of bed time story archetypes on stage.  Last night he joked about his nose being not quite ready yet.  Meanwhile, Sara Hart's (Fiona) distinctively sweet and melodic voice floated into the auditorium telling the beginning of the fairy tale story as Mr. Craib made adjustments for sound.


Annalise Bockin, one of Dulocs waited  off-stage for her entrance. Duloc by the way  is part of the Shrek Universe. It loosely resembles a theme park. It is the home of Lord Farquaad who seeks to make Duloc, the 'perfect place'


Sue Strope oversaw costuming for the show and we were told created many of them herself.  The costumes aren't the typical rag-tag of amateur productions -- they are incredibly professional down to the spats on the rats tap shoes.


The shoestopper though  is a huge iridescent, ruby dragon with attitude and eyes made of huge Christmas ornaments .  She took weeks to create and tonight will be given life  by student handlers, technical effects and the side-stage, incredible voice of Tai Blake.  The Dragon was in harness last night ready for lifting on stage.


Tonight her golden eye will glower at an audience in Punta Gorda.  Prepare to be astounded.

Sara Hart kisses Shrek. (Photo courtesy Charlotte High School Troupe 0922)

Shrek The Musical will be performed  February 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16 at CPAC. Tickets are on sale now at the CPAC.   Information and Tickets. 



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