DreamWorks Theatricals, Neal Street Productions, Ltd. and
The 5th Avenue Theatre Announce Auditions for
SHREK THE MUSICAL
Casting for Young Fiona - April 19, 2008
SEATTLE — DreamWorks Theatricals, Neal Street Productions, Ltd. and The 5th Avenue Theatre will hold auditions for the role of Young Fiona in the pre-Broadway world premiere of SHREK THE MUSICAL, playing at The 5th Avenue Theatre August 14 - September 21, 2008. Rehearsals begin in June. Auditions will be held Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Seattle Children's Theatre.
Girls between the ages of 8 and 10 are encouraged to audition. All must have a strong singing voice, acting ability and move well. Children should be prepared to miss school during the rehearsals and performances. Young actors should prepare one song and bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. Taped accompaniment or singing a cappella will not be permitted.
Princess Fiona, age 8, is a bright little girl who was only recently locked in a tower. She passes her time in the dragon-guarded castle, reading fairytales about damsels being rescued by handsome and charming princes and is hopeful a noble prince will rescue her soon. Must be a great singer.
All auditioners must bring a photo and resume (if available) as well as current contact information. Professional headshots are not required. A school photo is acceptable. Photos and resumes will not be returned. This audition is for the pre-Broadway engagement in Seattle only.
Auditions are by appointment only. Parents and guardians who wish their child to audition must call The 5th Avenue Theatre at (206) 625-1418, Monday through Friday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
SHREK THE MUSICAL is an entirely new musical based on the story and characters from William Steig's book Shrek!, as well as the DreamWorks Animation film Shrek, the first chapter of the Shrek movie series.
SHREK THE MUSICAL features a book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize® winner, David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole), music by Olivier Award-winner Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie & Caroline, or Change) and is directed by Tony Award®-nominee Jason Moore, who staged the Tony Award®-winning Best Musical, Avenue Q and Jerry Springer - The Opera in Concert at Carnegie Hall.
SHREK THE MUSICAL is DreamWorks Animation's first venture in legitimate theater. The production was initiated when Sam Mendes, a big fan of the first Shrek film, suggested the idea of creating a musical to DreamWorks Animation's Jeffrey Katzenberg around the time the second film was in production. The musical is being produced by DreamWorks Theatricals (Bill Damaschke, President) and Neal Street Productions, Ltd (principals Sam Mendes and Caro Newling).
Other members of the SHREK THE MUSICAL creative team include Tony Award®-winning set and costume designer, Tim Hatley (Monty Python's Spamalot, Private Lives, among others) and three-time Olivier Award-winning lighting designer, Hugh Vanstone, whose Broadway credits include Monty Python's Spamalot, Bombay Dreams, The Blue Room and Art, and sound designer Peter Hylenski (Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me and upcoming, Cry-Baby)
The choreography is by newcomer Josh Prince, and Tim Weil (Rent) is serving as music director.
SHREK THE MUSICAL is based on a popular 1990 book by William Steig. The characters of Shrek, Donkey and Fiona, and the other inhabitants of "Far, Far Away" have been featured in three major animated films and a popular television special to date. The first Shrek feature film hit theaters in the summer of 2001, and went on to win the first-ever Academy Award®for Best Animated Feature. The 2004 sequel, Shrek 2, remains the third highest grossing movie of all time and highest grossing animated film of all time. The latest chapter of the Shrek story, Shrek the Third, is the 2nd highest grossing film of 2007. Shrek the Halls, the recent ABC television special, was one of the most watched TV programs of 2007.
SHREK THE MUSICAL tickets are only available through 5th Avenue Theatre season subscriptions at this time. For information, call 206-625-1900 / toll free 888-5TH-4TIX (584-4849), stop by The 5th Avenue Theatre box office at 1308 5th Avenue in downtown Seattle, or visit www.5thavenue.org. Single tickets for SHREK THE MUSICAL go on sale Friday, June 13.
The 5th Avenue Theatre is Seattle's premier musical theater. In 1980, the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre began producing and presenting top-quality live musical theater for the cultural enrichment of the Northwest community. The 5th Avenue Theatre maintains a subscription audience of nearly 24,000 and an annual attendance of more than 287,000. It ranks among the nation's largest and most respected musical theater companies. The Theatre is committed to encouraging the next generation of theatergoers through its Educational Outreach Program which includes: The Adventure Musical Theatre Touring Company, The 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards, the Student Matinee Program and Spotlight Nights. Unique in its Chinese-inspired design, the exquisite theater opened in 1926 as a venue for vaudeville and film. Today, under the leadership of Managing Director Marilynn Sheldon and Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong, The 5th Avenue Theatre continues to achieve the highest standards in all aspects of artistic endeavors and facility operations, while preserving its artistic, architectural and historic legacy. Visit www.5thavenue.org.
Please contact Molly Fortin, Public Relations Manager, at (206) 625-1418 with questions or to schedule individual interviews.
2008-2009 SEASON CO-SPONSORS: The Boeing Company and US Bank