ROH 'Shrek' production drawing rave reviews

Fiona (Danica Carlson), Shrek (Alden Caple) and Donkey ( Joshua Paul Moore) (Courtesy photo)

Shrek The Musical, the Broadway musical comedy based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, runs until Oct. 27 at the Rochester Opera House.

Shrek The Musical debuts as the biggest ROH Production to date with the most costumes, the largest cast, the most musicians and the most ambitious set. Director Kelli Leigh-Ann Connors and Set Designer Jerard-James Craven combined their skills to create costumes and sets that are a dazzling visual feast of textures and colors. 

Playgoers are raving about this dazzling production.

“I had never been to the Rochester Opera House before.  I was blown away by the quality of the singing, dancing, acting, costumes…the whole package.  It’s so good!  I am coming back!” said Charlie of Portsmouth.

Allegra of Rochester said, “Wow. The acting, the singing, the costumes, the music, the props, (the dragon is very cool!) the direction and the choreography were so well-done that I could not believe that I was sitting in Rochester and not in Boston or New York.  I left completely blown away by this phenomenal experience!”

Craven designed sets that resemble colorful, intriguing pop-up books in an art style that celebrates the classic work of Hanna-Barbera. Connors is excited that she and the production staff “have created something this grand on the Seacoast.”  She explains, “We have taken a huge million-dollar Broadway production and have managed to retain the grand fairytale quality.”      

To further thrill the audience, the Shrek adventure moves into the audience on an extended stage.  To top off the excitement of this engaging, delightful musical trip is the live music in the orchestra pit with Music Director Kathy Fink and her five musicians. 

There will be a Meet-the-Cast Luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online at RochesterOperaHouse.com or call/stop by the box office at (603) 335-1992 on M/W/F from 10-5 or two hours before the show.  Shrek is sponsored by TD Bank, Foster’s Daily Democrat, Eastern Propane & Oil, Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., Norm Vetter Inc., Profile Bank, Honeywell, WHOM 94.9, Studley Flower Gardens and the Dynasty Restaurant.

Rochester Opera House is located in City Hall, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, NH.  The season continues with Bill Payne of Little Feet with Truffle 10/31 and Stanley Yerlow & Tajci 11/8.    

Tickets:  $24/$20 Adults and $14/$10 Children 12 & under

Meet the Cast Luncheon Tickets:  $14