Lose yourself in the epic adventure of Shrek The Musical—June 2-25 at Red Mountain Theatre

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Channel your inner ogre, an epic adventure awaits in Red Mountain Theatre’s upcoming production of Shrek The Musical, June 2-25. From extensive makeup and quick-change costumes to puppetry and built-to-break sets, we talked to some of the phenomenal cast for an inside look at the theatre’s largest and most involved show yet. Grab your tickets—and score a special deal!—now to see your favorite Shrek characters come to life on stage.

Event details

• What: Shrek The Musical
• When: Friday, June 2-Sunday, June 25 | 7:30PM Tuesday-Saturday, 2PM Wednesday, Saturday-Sunday
• Where: Red Mountain Theatre, 1600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Cost: $32+
• Tickets: Save $5 on tickets with special discount code NOWSHREK at checkout!

From movie to theater production

If you’re a fan of the Shrek films, you’re in for a treat when you see the animated movie come to life in the stage adaptation, Shrek The Musical. Based on the 2001 DreamWorks film, the musical takes the fairytale’s original story in new and exciting directions with witty song and dance numbers, elaborate sets, cool costumes and more.

“Shrek is an iconic movie, and we hit all the same story beats. What’s fantastic about the musical is that the songs add even more feeling and humor to every scene. Shrek is this ridiculous tale that will make you laugh until your face hurts, but its heart is a message of acceptance and understanding.”

Roy Lightner, Director, Shrek The Musical

Need a refresher on the plot? Think classic fairytale with a hilarious ogre-inspired twist. 

Shrek, the always unsocial ogre, must leave his quiet and secluded swamp for the first time to venture into the Land of Duloc. Here he braves the cruelty of Lord Farquaad, tries to conquer a fire-breathing dragon, befriends a spirited donkey and falls in love with a Princess named Fiona who is keeping a mighty secret.

Want to see Shrek The Musical at Red Mountain Theatre? See the show June 2-25—grab your tickets now.

Bringing Shrek The Musical to life

We all know and love the characters from Shrek, from the lovely Princess Fiona to the always witty Donkey. But it’s no easy task bringing an animated film to the stage in Shrek The Musical. Here’s a look at what it takes to bring this production to life.

Alie B. Gorrie — Princess Fiona

As Princess Fiona, Alie B. Gorrie doesn’t step into just one role, but two, playing both human and ogress.

“Whatever form Fiona is at the time affects her body, how she speaks, how she stands, how she lifts her eyes and looks at someone. As an actor, it’s a big challenge.”

Alle B. Gorrie

To become Princess Fiona, a prosthetics, makeup and hair team are required. In Act II, Alie has a quick change with six people assigned to help her change forms in just 60 seconds!

For Alie, the action-packed role is worth it.

“I love playing Princess Fiona because she is not your typical princess. She has a backbone and a little bit of a bite to her. She is a no-nonsense gal and I love that about her.”

Alie B. Gorrie, Actress

Jared Max Wright — Pinocchio

To play the role of Pinocchio, you likely assume Jared Max Wright must be a master of puppetry. Instead, he becomes a living puppet, playing the role in a full-body costume. 

“The costume is painted to look like wood and has joints for the knees and elbows. Pinocchio’s movements are very human, but he looks very much like a puppet.”

Jared Max Wright, Actor

Wondering if Pinocchio’s nose grows like in the classic tale? It sure does!

Aidan Alford — Gingy & the Sugar Plum Fairy

Now, on to the puppetry. Playing the part of Gingy the Gingerbread Man is Aidan Alford. What she originally thought would involve a full-body cardboard costume turned out to be a hand puppet.

About 20 inches tall and created with a moveable mouth, Aidan is able to hold the Gingy puppet in order to make him move around the stage as well as talk and sing.

But Gingy’s not the only role Aidan plays in Shrek The Musical. She also pulls on the wings of the Sugar Plum Fairy and is even part of the show’s ensemble, which requires costume changes including six different pairs of shoes.

“I am doubling up. I’ll be doing the physicality of the Sugar Plum Fairy, which is very balletic, proper and poised, with my hands in puppet world playing Gingy at the same time.” 

Aidan Alford, Actress

Dorian Fombey – Donkey

A huge fan of Eddie Murphy (who voiced Donkey in the Shrek movies), Dorian Fombey has always enjoyed the story of Shrek.

“Donkey is such a comical character. It’s a joy to be able to play a character like him. I didn’t realize Donkey and I were so similar until this role.”

Dorian Fombey, Actor

When talking with Dorian about Shrek The Musical, he joked that Donkey’s personality has a lot of layers. It turns out, his costume does, too.

Here’s what Donkey’s costume includes:

• Moisture wicking shirt
• Body padding
• Ice vest (to keep cool onstage)
• Donkey onesie
• Helmet with ears 
• Hooves

As you can see, it takes a lot to bring Shrek The Musical to the Red Mountain Theatre stage. But when the spotlight shines upon that magical stage, the cast has one main goal—to entertain you.

“I want people to come and exhale. We carry so much around with us from day to day. This is a show that doesn’t take itself so seriously. You can come to this show and just sit and laugh.”

Dorian Fombey, Actor

Wondering what the unforgettable character Shrek will bring to the stage? You’ll have to see the show to find out! Get your tickets now to Shrek The Musical at Red Mountain Theatre, June 2-25.

For more must-see productions at Red Mountain Theatre, visit their website, Facebook and Instagram.

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