SHREK Begins Tonight at The J

A beloved big green ogre is taking the stage at both the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, The J, and Theatre in the Park, for an extra long run of the hilarious and heartwarming Shrek, The Musical.

For the second time, The J and Theatre in the Park are teaming up for a summer production that's sure to please crowds both young and old.

Shrek, The Musical opens at 7:30 p.m. tonight, July 11 at The J's White Theatre in Overland Park. Additional showtimes are July 12, 19 and 26 at 2 p.m. and July 16, 18, 23 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. The musical will then be featured at Theatre in the Park July 31-August 8.

"I'm very happy with our relationship with the White Theatre and The J," said director Tim Bair. "Our coproduction history has allowed us both to put really great shows on our stages, and share the hard production costs of scenery, costumes, props, etc., which is really great for both of us. Plus our cast has the opportunity to play the show twice as long as normal."

According to Bair, Shrek, The Musical features a wonderfully diverse but small group of very talented actors and singers, including the Hingula family of Shawnee. Dad Robert stars as Shrek, while his 12-year-old daughter Darcie plays the role of the teenage Fiona, and his wife Melissa performs in the ensemble as a wicked witch, a queen and a dish and spoon.

"We've always been a very theatrical family, and we enjoy sharing the stage," said Robert Hingula. "This show, in particular, has been an absolute blast. From my elaborate makeup and costumes to the multiple parts my wife and daughter play, we've had so much fun and can't wait to share this hilarious show with the community. Everyone loves Shrek!"

For those unfamiliar with the story, Shrek, The Musical takes place in a faraway kingdom turned upside down, where things get ugly when a swamp-dwelling ogre - not a handsome prince - shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a wise-cracking donkey, a villain with a short temper, a cookie with an attitude and many other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero.

"I really love the message of this show; what's not to love?" said Bair. "Love people for who they are, not what they are! Be yourself. Let your freak flag fly!"

For tickets, please contact The J at 913-327-8054, boxoffice@thejkc.org or thejkc.org.