Ogre At Large: ‘Shrek Jr.’ At RTC
Rehearsals are underway for Shrek Jr.
By Dan Guarino
Everyone’s favorite ogre is coming to Rockaway as the Rockaway Theatre Company (RTC) Young People’s Theatre Workshop production of “Shrek Jr.” opens this Friday, January 10. This musical adventure brings together the less-than-jolly green giant along with Donkey, Fiona and all the other colorful characters onstage at RTC’s John Gilleece Theater, Fort Tilden, from January 10 through January 19.
will greet you as you enter.
Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org.
RTC’s “Shrek Jr.” is filled with witty dialogue, music, dance, laughter, poignant moments, and even an unlikely romance or two. It’s also “all about learning to be true to yourself and expressing your individuality, quirks and all,” says Mia Melchiorri, who, with Susan Corning, is co-director of this show.
It boasts a cast of nearly 30 exuberant singers, dancers and actors, ages 12-17, with each adding their own flavor to the production. “Shrek Jr.” stars Mary Claire Smyth as Fiona, Cosmo Duran as Donkey, Dylan Taruskin as Lord Farquaad, and Ashley Stone as Shrek.
“Shrek Jr.,” like other “junior” productions, is an officially approved, professionally adapted shortened version of its full-scale theatrical counterpart, especially designed for younger performers. “Shrek the Musical,” which ran from 2008 to 2010 on Broadway, where it earned numerous nominations and several awards, then spawned a filmed version and several national and international productions.
The musical is based on the 2001 animated film “Shrek,” starring Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy and John Lithgow, which was loosely based on a 1990’s children’s picture book. The film was followed by several successful spin-offs.
Likewise, “Shrek Jr.” follows the adventures of the title’s bad-tempered but eventually good-hearted ogre Shrek, who finds his solitary swamp overrun by outcast storybook characters. To regain his home and peace and quiet, he is reluctantly sent by the diminutive Lord Farquaad on a quest to rescue a princess, Fiona.
But, as with all fractured fairytales, even those with a Big Bad Wolf, a pining Pinocchio, hilarious Three Little Pigs, roaring Dragon, comical Three Blind Mice, failed knights (“We sing backup”), an incessantly talking Donkey and dozens of others, things are not always as they seem.
RTC’s “Shrek Jr.” is a fully staged production with costumes, sets and props. It features rollicking dance numbers, often including the entire cast, energetically choreographed by Erech Holder-Hetmeyer. Musical directors Richard Louis-Pierre and Jodee Timpone, calling fully on the cast’s vocal talents, blend solo voices, duets, trios and full group harmonies to cleverly advance the story.
“I really do love all of the music in this show,” Melchiorri says. “It is very varied and gives (our workshop) students a lot of opportunities to shine. I do really love ‘Freak Flag’ for its powerful message. And ‘I’m a Believer,’ because it’s such a party!” Other standouts include “Big Bright Beautiful World,” in part done with beautiful harmonies, the touching “The Story of My Life, “Morning Person,” “This Is Our Story” and even some sprightly instrumental interludes.
About her and Corning’s creative team, which also includes stage crew, costumers, stage manager, assistant director, lighting specialists et al, Melchiorri says, “We’re a really strong unit. We’re all friends and have great relationships, so we work well together!”
Both Corning and Melchiorri themselves are well-versed in all areas of theatre, from directing to acting, singing, dancing and a whole host of behind-the-scenes production roles. Corning has been involved in theatre since she was 6 years old, through her parents’ participation with community productions in Michigan. Going from high school drama to college, she joined RTC in 2006. Her many RTC credits include starring in “Regrets Only” and directing the super sold-out grand production of “Hello Dolly.”
A professional drama teacher for NYC’s Department of Education, Melchiorri has been part of “countless RTC productions” including starring in the comedy, “Shakespeare in Hollywood” this past summer. She notes, “I’ve been involved in theater since the age of 6. I got my start at RTC in the workshop…so it is very special for me to be directing now. I have been involved as a workshop student from age 6 to 17, and as a teacher/director for the last four years.”
The RTC’s Young People’s Theatre Workshop offers a grounding in all aspects of theatre production. Melchiorri explains, “We work on all skills related to rehearsal and performance of a musical while weaving in ensemble building, teamwork, and collaboration skills as well. We meet for two hours every Saturday and more as the show gets closer.”
Among others who started in the workshop and went on to success in RTC and other main productions, technical, stage and creative team roles, and/or other projects outside RTC, she cites Alannah Fabry and Lauren Schwach, both of whom are also on the stage crew for “Shrek Jr.,” Brendan Mullen, Sydney Williams, Nathan Reder, Steven Wagner, Leigh Dillon, Kerrianne Blum, Andrew Barth Feldman, who has starred in Broadway’s “Dear Evan Hansen,” and appeared in films and television, and many others who have pursued their dreams.
From youngest to oldest, throughout rehearsals, every cast member has worked hard to make this production of “Shrek Jr.” the best it can be, asking questions, offering suggestions, adding bits, working out lines, songs and staging along the way. Meeting every week, mostly on Saturdays, for the past four months, and throughout the intense week leading up to opening night, they bring a collective mix of energy and excitement to the show.
“I am very fortunate to work with such kind and collaborative kids,” Melchiorri notes. “They are so willing to learn and also share their own ideas and insights to these characters. I am so proud of all of them!”
Corning and Melchiorri are also getting the workshop’s 12 and younger group ready for their own production, “Finding Nemo Jr.,” opening in February.
In the meantime, they are inviting audiences to “Come support young people who love the arts!” And catch these future stars rising right before their eyes.
Photos by Dan Guarino.
