PAC Educational Theatre presents 'Shrek: The Musical'
The Highlands Performing Arts Center’s Educational Theatre will present its third all-community production, Shrek: The Musical, from April 24 to April 26, featuring performers of all ages and a story centered on friendship and selfacceptance.
From Shrek’s journey to Duloc with his friend Donkey to his rescue of Princess Fiona from a forced marriage to Lord Farquaad, the production promises laughs, magical moments and lessons for audiences of all ages.
Shrek: The Musical appealed to Director Erik Bishop and Co-Artistic Director Lee Trevathan for its score and timely themes.
“The story is about mismatched love, finding friendship in odd places, and the understanding and acceptance of yourself for who you are, and how our differences are actually our strength,” said Bishop. “In this uncertain time period full of fear and anxiety, this show really spoke to me, and I brought it to Lee and she agreed that it really hit home to tell this story.”
Trevathan added that they sought material that each age group could benefit from, creating a rewarding experience for the entire cast and audience. Shrek: The Musical aligns with the PAC’s mission statement and community goals.
“When people first see you, they may have ideas about you, but when you break that down, everybody just wants to feel accepted,” said Trevathan. “I think when we make the production all community, we have people of different ages and backgrounds, and we hope that they feel accepted when they step through the doors at the PAC and work with us in rehearsal.”
The PAC’s production of Shrek: The Musical will stay true to the original while adding its own personal touches. In terms of costumes, while the original production leans more cartoonish, the PAC typically draws inspiration from the Brother the Grimms fairy tales, taking a more naturalistic approach.
The production will also draw on the expertise of a professional choreographer, music director, costume designer and lighting designer. Bishop brings years of experience as an actor in Los Angeles and New York, while Trevathan has received professional training in London. Together, their experience helps create an environment that supports actors as they grow into their roles.
“We meet just once a week for several months and then it amps up towards the production,” said Trevathan. “And the way that Eric and I have structured it is they warm up and learn about the technique of acting. With my background with the conservatory in England, it’s all about breath control, spine alignment, movement and how they can learn about their body and voice to create a three-dimensional character.”
Pre-production began in September, and registration opened in December. Actors were divided by age and grade level, with instruction varying by category.
“I have been blown away by the actors that we’ve gotten the opportunity to work with, of all ages, and the bravery that they have,” said Trevathan.
Bishop added that productions like Shrek: The Musical are important because they teach actors how to work as a team while promoting growth, especially among younger performers. Multiple actors are cast in single roles to create opportunities for them to learn and perform principal roles.
“Everybody is telling this story and creating this world together, and they’re all equally as important for the immersiveness and the audience’s enjoyment of the show,” said Bishop.
Tickets are already on sale for the production and can be purchased at highlandsperformingart s.com or by calling or visiting the box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The PAC encourages patrons to avoid third-party sites due to inflated prices. Tickets for Friday are $25, which includes an opening night reception in the lobby one hour before the show begins at 7 p.m. Saturday’s performance will be at 7 p.m., and Sunday’s matinee will be at 3 p.m.
- MITCH STONE
REPORTER@HIGHLANDSNEWS.COM