IDAHO FALLS— The Center Stage Theatre will begin performances of “Shrek the Musical” tonight. Shrek is a musical based on the hit 2001 animated film of the same name.
Justin DaBell is an owner and founding member of Center Stage Theatre. He is portraying Shrek in the show. The film has always held a special place in DaBell’s heart.
“I saw Shrek on my 10th birthday, and I've always just loved it,” DaBell said. “It's just been a core memory for me. I want people to come to this and even if they didn't love the movie, I can guarantee they will find things that they love about this show and this production in particular.”
The stage production of Shrek is a show that DaBell has always wanted to put on. According to DaBell, Shrek is one of the biggest productions and one of the most challenging shows Center Stage Theatre has ever put on and has been in production for around a year.
“The sets are the biggest that we've done,” DaBell said. “So many costumes, every actor is playing multiple characters. The props are crazy, and the production value is awesome. It's so many different things that are going in to make it special for the audiences and that's what we want. We want the audiences to be blown away.”
DaBell believes the theatre version adds a lot to the original Shrek story everyone is familiar with.
“One of the greatest things I think about ‘Shrek the Musical’ is that it's so similar, but it adds songs,” DaBell said. “To me, it enhances what the movie did. You add amazing, beautiful, funny, catchy music, it's just heartfelt. There's something for everyone in Shrek.”
Center Stage Theatre in Idaho Falls will perform Shrek, from July 10 until Aug. 22. You can find tickets and showtimes at www.centerstageif.com.