MTD Presents SHREK the Musical!

Music Theatre of Denton closes their 2016 season with “Shrek The Musical”, presented by Kwik Kar of Denton. The musical’s book is by David Lindsay-Abaire, music by Jeanine Tesori, and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire.  Shrek is based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig.

“Once upon a time there was a little ogre named Shrek. . .”

These words begin the tale of an ogre who just wants to be left alone, but finds himself on a storybook journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who is more than she appears. Then throw in a short tempered villain, a cookie with an attitude, a puppet who just wants to be a real boy, and all your favorite characters from your childhood - then you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero… no matter how unlikely he seems. In the end, “Shrek the Musical” shows that it is what’s within that defines us.

The production is directed by Bill Kirkley with music direction by John Norine, Jr, choreography by Emily Leekha, and Production Stage Management by Elizabeth Cantrell .  “Shrek the Musical” is produced by David Pierce, Managing Director of Music Theatre of Denton.

Paul Iwanicki returns to the Campus stage as the green ogre named Shrek, fresh off his critical success in MTD’s sold out run of “The Addams Family” last Fall, where he portrayed Uncle Fester.  Princess Fiona will be played by the stunning Sara Kennedy - who recently appeared in “Into the Woods” as the Baker’s Wife.  Shrek’s mouthy sidekick, Donkey, will be played by Anthony Ortega - who also recently appeared in MTD’s “Into the Woods” as the Narrator and “In the Heights” as the Piragua vendor.  The pivotal role of the Gingerbread Man will be played by MTD vet Sementa Alldredge who recently appeared in “Into the Woods” alongside Kennedy and Ortega, as Little Red.   

Playing the role of Pinocchio is Cameron Hall, a new face in the Denton theatre scene. He is joined by actor, writer, and director John Tillman, who will bring his seasoned resume of experience to this production as the short-tempered Lord Farquaad to the Denton stage for the first time. The company of actors playing a wide variety of fairytale characters include Denton’s favorite Johnny Bryant, Kaci Franssen, Carly Haynes, Danielle Graves, Lindsey Yarborough, Mike Strecher, Scott Deck, Bryson Beavers, Daniella Ruelas, Eric Ryan, Joshua Zepeda, Amanda Rose Fisher, Alex Peters, Sienna Riehle, Kristen Brasher, Corey Ray, ­Melissa Tillman, Jinger Jones, John Rodgers, Carin Thornton Hall, Claire Marie Crenshaw, and Autumn Hitt.

All performances will be held at the historic Campus Theatre (214 W. Hickory St. Denton TX 76201) the weekends of October 21 - October 30, 2016. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday curtains are at 7:30 with the Sunday matinees beginning at 2:00. Individual tickets go on sale beginning July 15, 2016 at www.musictheatreofdenton.com.  

As a fundraiser, MTD is selling Shrek ears for $5 a piece to encourage all theatre patrons to “Let their freak flag fly!

Additionally, “Breakfast with Shrek and Fiona” give kids a chance to hang out with characters from the show, play games, decorate gingerbread cookies and so much more! This event will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2016 from 9am to 11am at 1st Presbyterian Church in Erwin Hall, 1114 W University Dr, Denton, TX 76201. Tickets are $10 for children and $15 for adults and will be available for purchase at the door.  Seating is limited. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

“Shrek the Musical” is presented with permission of Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

Kwik Kar of Denton is the proud Presenting Sponsor of MTD’s production of “Shrek the Musical”.   They are located at 2303 W. University Dr. in Denton and can be reached at 940-381-9908.

For more information regarding Music Theatre of Denton, contact David Pierce, Managing Director at mtd@musictheatreofdenton.com or by calling 940-381-3562.  For interviews or press related issues, please contact Kristy Vivian, VP of Public Relations at mtdproductionsdenton@gmail.com or call 469-980-6897.