"Shrek" Cast Interview #4

   With just three days left until the premiere, let's continue our reviews with the cast of "Shrek the Musical."

   This time around let's hear from Michael Gibson, who wears many hats in the show (and is having lots of fun at the same time): 

Q: Tell us the basic story of the musical comedy Shrek.

Michael: A character that is considered outside of the "norm" and one not usually found in a protagonist role finds a happy ending that was never expected because of his societal stereotype - that's the complicated answer.  The basic story is of Shrek, finding himself in company he never wanted and going on a quest (albeit, not happily) to remedy that predicament.  Along the way, he unexpectedly finds a friend in a talking donkey and falls in love with a beautiful princess. Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona (with some help from a whole array of classic fairy tale creatures) help thwart the plan of a prejudiced, wanna-be King, Lord Farquaad.  And they all lived happily ever after. Possibly.  

Q: Tell us about the characters you play.

Michael: I play Papa Ogre to Shrek and I'm basically kicking Shrek to the curb at a young age, but in a loving manner. Then I play a piggy named "Bricks" whose been dispersed from his home in Duloc for being different. He's none to happy about being kicked out of his home.  I also play a guard named Leo that seems to be a screamer and not very cool under pressure. Lastly, I play yet another guard, but one of Lord Farquaad's personal guards, Thaddeus.

Q: What's your favorite song in the show?

Michael: "What's Up, Duloc."

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Michael: Very Little.  I did a few plays with The Aracoma Story, Inc. when I lived in Logan, WV.  Mainly, I did shows in order to hang out with friends that happened to be interested in theatre. I enjoyed it enough to continue to do a couple plays a year from about 2002 - 2006.  I haven't been involved in anything acting wise since 2007, that is until Shrek: the Musical. 

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Michael: I hadn't done a play in such a long time, I had been looking around for something interesting to do for a comeback, and Shrek seemed just fun enough and interesting enough to come back with.  

Q: This is a new show, never staged in this area - are you excited to be part of the first local cast to tackle it?

Michael: Very excited. I'm sure the directors would say the excitement isn't quite there for me in rehearsals, but once I'm on stage, in full costume, running this show in the entirety for an audience - it's going to be an epic blast.  

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Michael: It's a fun story that I can imagine any kid loving immensely, but there is humor for adults as well. It's not too corny, but genuinely hilarious. The music is fantastic and the actors are going to bring a great show.  

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Michael: Shrek: The Musical will be performed at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center located downtown on 4th Avenue in Huntington. Show dates and times are  Sept 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. each night with a Sept. 7 matinee at 2:30 p.m.  The following weekend, Sept 12 and 13 with school performances during the day and evening performances at 8 p.m., Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and the 15 at 2:30 p.m.  I think I got that right.  Go online towww.curtainsupplayers.org for all the info and to reserve your tickets today!

  Thanks, Michael!