"Shrek" Cast Interview #5

   Shrek the Musical takes the stage tonight, so let's continue our interviews with the cast!

   Today let's hear from my pal Andrew Surber, a talented young actor who wear many hats in this show:

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

Andrew: Shrek the Musical follows the story of the first Shrek movie. It tells the story of the ogre, Shrek, whose land becomes a dumping ground of displaced fairytale creatures. Shrek makes a deal with Lord Farquaad to go on a quest to save a princess in order to "earn" the deed to his land.

Q: Tell us about the characters you play.

Andrew: I play Sticks, who is the middle brother of the three pigs. He and his brothers, Straw and Bricks, sing together in a trio style of close harmonies similar to a barbershop quartet. I also play The Pied Piper, a Duloc Dancer and a Duloc Guard.

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

Andrew: My favorite part of the show is the song "Freak Flag." It has such a good message (that it's okay to be different) and presents it in a fun way.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

 

Andrew: I started theatre in high school, and now I've been in almost 20 shows including plays, musicals and cabarets.

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

Andrew: Shrek was a great movie, and I fell in love with the musical as soon as I heard some of the songs from the recording. At that moment I put Shrek on my "shows I want to be in" list.

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?

Andrew: Definitely. I'm thrilled to have been given the opportunity to be in this show. It's so different to be the first in the area to produce a certain show. A lot of theatre companies tend to pull from the same pool of shows which means shows get repeated frequently. It's refreshing to bring something new to the area.

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

 

Andrew: This is a great show for anyone to see. The jokes just keep coming and there's something for all ages. Be a part of the regional premiere of this show and attend!

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

Andrew: The show will be performed at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center on Sept. 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 7, 14 and 15 at 2:30 p.m. There will also be performances for school groups on Sept. 12 and 13 at 9 a.m. and noon.  For more information, you can check out Curtains Up Players website -- www.curtainsupplayers.org!

   Thanks, Andrew!