A great, green ogre is coming to Apple Valley and children are expected to love him.
Following the success of "The Music Man" performance last year, the Town of Apple Valley will present the live musical theater performance of "Shrek The Musical" in Civic Center Park.
"We're really excited about it," producer/director Cherie Glisson, of Creative Arts Theater, said of the summer production and its outdoor setting. "This is one of our favorite musicals. ... It's going to be fun for us to perform."
"Shrek The Musical" is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film that played in movie theaters in 2001 and will be offered free to the community at 8 p.m. June 18, 19 and 20. It features a kingdom in chaos, a grumpy ogre, a feisty princess, a loudmouthed donkey, a gingerbread cookie with an attitude and a villain with a short temper.
"We have some fun surprises that will add a real 'wow' factor," Glisson said. One special on-stage attraction will be an 18-foot dragon, she said.
Adding a touch of real-life romance to the romantic comedy, leads Robert K. Blomker II, as Shrek, and Ammiel Hamrick, as Princess Fiona, are engaged to be married following an on-stage proposal a while back, Glisson said.
"'Music Man' was fun, but more kids should like this one," said Apple Valley resident Richard Rorex, who helped sponsor both productions. He said he and his late wife, Joyce, had always supported community theater.
Other sponsors include Creative Arts Theater, the Town of Apple Valley, Apple Valley Communications and Solution Strategies. CAT is an affiliate of the High Desert Community Foundation and was created to provide up-and-coming stars of the craft with scholarships and to further the education of the younger actors and actresses by way of experience on stage.
The "Shrek" audience is asked to stay seated while actors are on stage and refrain from talking and using cell phones. No pets, alcohol or smoking will be permitted.
Audience members are asked to bring blankets or folding chairs for general seating. A limited number of box seats are available each night for purchase. Call 760-240-7000, ext. 7075, or email ksousa@applevalley.org for reservations. Box seats are $15 each but children 3 and younger can attend for free.
"It's a good program and we have to continue it; the fans seem to enjoy it," said Councilman Curt Emick, who originated the town's concept of annual summer musical productions.
For more information, go to www.AppleValleyEvents.org or creativeartstheater.com.