Especially with three familiar faces directing — Darcy Elliott, Tamara Cadd and Mark Thomson.
“The show has got a fantastic vibe about it,” Darcy said.
The theatre stalwart, who also plays the hilariously loveable Donkey, has been in more than 20 shows with the company.
“This is probably the show that I’m most excited about and I have high expectations based on where we are now and knowing where our end product is going to get to,” Darcy said.
With EMTC’s last musical Little Shop of Horrors cut short in 2021 because of COVID-19 lockdowns, Darcy said it was important to come back with the right show.
“Having a long break, we knew we couldn’t come back and just deliver something that was a little left of field or unknown or didn’t appeal to all ages,” he said.
“As a committee, we needed to make sure we had a show that could put bums on seats, was inclusive by incorporating young and older members and gave us every opportunity to have anyone from the age of two to 200 in the audience.
“It’s got excitement in all aspects. While we do well and people respect us as a theatre company and know what we’re about, this show has another element in that we’re appealing to people who aren’t usually theatre goers.”
Based on the Oscar-winning film, the Broadway and West End smash hit is a fun-filled musical comedy that follows Shrek, played by Shepparton’s Sean O’Brien, a green ogre who after being feared and mocked his whole life, retreats to a swamp to exist in happy isolation.
However, when a gang of homeless fairytale creatures raid his peaceful sanctuary, claiming the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad (played by Bendigo’s James Studds) has evicted them, Shrek makes a deal — he’ll get their homes back if they give him his swamp back.
But first Shrek must meet Farquaad’s demand — to rescue Princess Fiona, played by Shepparton’s Megan Scott. Shrek begrudgingly obliges and begins his quest with the trusty and slightly annoying Donkey by his side. But once saving the princess from the clutches of the fire-breathing Dragon (played by Kyabram’s Alisha Beavis), Shrek discovers she isn’t quite what she seems.
With a cast of more than 40, ranging in age from 12 to mid-60s, the show is full of colourful characters, as well as fabulous songs and toe-tapping dancing.
“This show has something for everyone,” Darcy said.
“If I were you, I’d make sure you book your tickets early because I have a sneaking suspicion that they are going to be hard to get a hold of soon.”
Shrek The Musical takes to the stage at Echuca’s Paramount from May 26 to June 3. Get your tickets at Echuca Paramount or book online at www.echucaparamount.com
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