Basin Community Theatre presents 'Shrek: The Musical'

MOSES LAKE — The curtain rises Tuesday on the Basin Community Theatre production of “Shrek, The Musical” at the Moses Lake High School theater, 803 East Sharon Ave. Performances are scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and March 14 and 15.

The company fulfilled a longtime goal with its production of “Les Miserables” in 2015, but Le Miz was a pretty serious play, said “Shrek” director Toby Black. “We wanted to do something lighthearted and upbeat and fun.” It’s also a chance for the company to do a show that’s new to the Columbia Basin, he said.

Even though the show premiered in 2008, it’s firmly in the musical theater tradition, Black said. “Old classic Broadway, where you have to sing and dance and change costumes in 10 seconds.”

“Shrek,” of course, is based on the 2001 animated movie about an ogre (Ed Backell in the CBT version) who’s getting along OK in his swamp, all by himself. Unfortunately, the nasty (and little) Lord Farquaard (Alec Lobe) has exiled all the magical creatures from his kingdom, and they’ve taken refuge in Shrek’s swamp.

Poor Shrek learns the only way to get his swamp back is to rescue the beautiful princess Fiona (Amy O’Donnell), held prisoner by a frightening, fire-breathing dragon (Debbie Roeber). He picks up an ally in a talkative – and sometimes annoying – donkey (Tucker Merchant). And while they rescue Fiona, something’s not quite right with the princess as the trio makes the trek back to the kingdom.

“I didn’t realize Shrek was going to be so magical,” Black said. Along with the purple dragon, there are tons of fairy tale creatures, dancing skeletons, the Sugar Plum fairy, and Pinocchio. “We have a bird that blows up, we have rats running the stage.”

And since Shrek is an ogre, he has to look like one. Turning Backell into Shrek requires a complete new head. “He’s in makeup about three hours before the show.” And mean little Lord Farquaard is so little Lobe is required to perform the part on his knees. Even with that challenge “he brought our Farquaard alive,” Black said.

Despite the technical challenges it’s been an enjoyable experience, Black said. “It’s been fun. It’s a fun show.”

Tickets for 200 seats per performance are available online at the company’s website, www.basincommunitytheatre.org. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door.

Tickets are $15 online, $18 at the door for adults, $10 online, $12 at the door for children ages 12 and younger. “Special student pricing” is available on Wednesday only; tickets will be $9 at the door for all teens ages 13-18 who show student identification.