CTC Extends SHREK Through 6/15

Overwhelming early popularity and a Twin Cities All-Star cast has led to strong ticket sales for Shrek the Musical, prompting a one-week extension to the run. Shrek the Musical is based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig with music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. Peter Rothstein directs the production, which runs for all ages April 22 through June 15.

Shrek, the Ogre-turned-hero will be played by Reed Sigmund who was mean and green in CTC's production of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas in 2012. Director Peter C. Brosius claims that the ill-mannered, malodorous Shrek is "The role Reed Sigmund was born to play." Sigmund will be joined by his real-life wife Autumn Ness as Fiona. The two have ten years of marriage, two children and a combined 28 years of experience at CTC, appearing in nearly 40 productions together since starting at the theatre in 2000. "We can sort of benchmark our lives by what show we're doing here together," said Ness. Now they bring their real-life happily ever after to this musical sensation. Ness did not comment on whether Sigmund is actually smelly.

The highly-celebrated, award-winning actor Ansa Akyea has performed on stages across the country and locally, playing groundbreaking characters such as Jackie Robinson and the title character in Shakespeare's Othello. Perhaps his most anticipated role to date will be that of Donkey, trailing faithfully on the heels of Shrek. Adam Qualls calls on his own shortcomings and penchant for the persnickety as the evil Lord Farquaad. Qualls was a Performing Apprentice at CTC last season and recently worked with director Peter Rothstein in Cabaret.

Shrek the Musical will run April 22 through June 15 with Opening Night on Friday, April 25. Shrek the Musical is recommended for all ages. Run, run, run as fast as you can to the Ticket Office because tickets are going fast. For more information visit childrenstheatre.org or call the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400.

Photo by Dan Norman