(Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

Western Canada Theatre

Iconic ogre set to make his Sagebrush Theatre debut with ‘Shrek the Musical’

Nov 14, 2023 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS – Once upon a time, there was a very iconic musical rehearsing in Kamloops. The cast and crew at Western Canada Theatre [WCT] are putting the finishing touches on ‘Shrek the Musical’ before opening night next week.

“It appeals to so many different generations,” James MacDonald, the show’s director, said. “What I love about it is it’s got the great kind of fun joy that everybody will remember about the movie, but it’s also a fantastic Broadway musical. It’s got all these great songs and dances, and I think it probably has a little more romance than people would expect from the movie.”

Even if romances aren’t your thing, David Silvestri, the actor behind Shrek, believes every audience member will leave the show with something.

“It’s funny. It’s heartwarming, but also a message of acceptance, which I think we very much need in today’s day and age,” Silvestri told CFJC News. “At the heart of the musical, in the centre of it is this incredible message of acceptance and accepting people who are who they are and learning about them, before you think that perhaps you may not like them or like whatever about them.”

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The cast features a variety of professional actors from across Canada but according to MacDonald, it also brings in local talent, some even from local elementary and high schools.

“We always love having young people on the stage,” MacDonald explained. “It’s such a great show for families, great show for people to bring their kids to. That’s one of the reasons why, especially at the holiday time, we really try to do these shows so families have an opportunity to come to the theatre together.”

‘Shrek the Musical’ will be playing at the Sagebrush Theatre from Nov. 24 until Dec. 9. For more information or to buy tickets, click here.