Shrek The Musical coming to Bay Ridge

August 22, 2014 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Antonio Oliveri as “Shrek” and Jessica Sparacio as “Princess Fiona” the stars of the Narrows Community Theater production of "Shrek, The Musical," gave audiences at the Summer Stroll on 3rd events in Bay Ridge a preview of their show. Photo courtesy Narrows Community Theater

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The talents of young performers in Bay Ridge will be on full display in a special production of “Shrek The Musical” presented by the Narrows Community Theater starting Labor Day weekend.

The musical, starring Antonio Oliveri as “Shrek” and Jessica Sparacio as “Princess Fiona,” is being presented as the Narrows Community Theater’s (NCT) Fourth Annual Summer Youth Show.

Directed by Broadway star Jason Gotay, this stage adaptation will be presented on Aug. 29 and 30 and on Sept. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. at the Post Theater at the U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Hamilton. There will be matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Aug. 31 and Sept. 7. The entrance to the military post is located on Fort Hamilton Parkway and 101st Street. Photo ID is required to enter the base.

Gotay starred in the Broadway shows “Spiderman – Turn Off the Dark” and “Bring It On, The Musical.” The NCT show’s music director is Paolo C. Perez is a New York based music director, composer and accompanist. Lane Halperin, a New York based artist and teacher who has performed both nationally and internationally, is the choreographer.

The musical is based on the 2001 DreamWorks film “Shrek,” as well as William Steig’s 1990 book “Shrek.”

“Shrek,” everyone’s favorite ogre, becomes the unlikely hero in this comic, yet poignant, tale replete with a host of fairy tale characters banished from their home. There’s a princess in need of saving, a hilarious donkey sidekick and a villain who is ultimately conquered and you have the makings of a memorable show. “Shrek The Musical” reaffirms life’s prevailing lessons on love and the real meaning of beauty, according to NCT leaders.

In addition to Oliveri and Sparacio, the cast of talented young performers includes Jose Mendez as the “Donkey” and Alexander Deverson as the evil “Lord Farquaad.”

The music is by Jeanine Tesori, with a book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and students under 21, and $10 for children 12 and under. For reservations or more information call Narrows Community Theater at 718-482-3173, email [email protected], or order tickets online at www.NarrowsCommunityTheater.com.

NCT is a non-profit theater company based in Bay Ridge that presents plays, musicals, operas and musical reviews featuring non-professionals. According to its website, the company seeks to contribute to the betterment of the community by promoting bringing the arts to local audiences.