One thing is for sure: Princess Fiona is cursed, so when the sun goes down, she becomes an ogre.
Beyond that, actress Sutton Foster is tight-lipped about the new production of “Shrek the Musical,” and understandably so. It’s a big deal for this potential blockbuster to debut in Seattle before it heads to New York, and Foster doesn’t want to blow any surprises.
“With a brand new musical, there are so many elements in putting on this show and we continue to make changes and work on the show the entire time we’re here,” Foster said. “The audiences here will teach us and we’ll be trying things out so it’s all about getting it tight and making it the best show it can be.”
Foster, a Tony Award-winning actress, is playing Fiona in the world premiere of “Shrek the Musical,” which opens with previews Thursday at The 5th Avenue Theatre. “Shrek The Musical” will play in Seattle through Sept. 21 before it officially opens at the Broadway Theatre in New York on Dec. 14.
This all-new musical is based on Shrek’s adventures in the classic William Steig book and the Oscar-winning film. Foster said in a recent phone interview that the musical version of “Shrek” has been in development for many years as the creators “strive to really strike the right tone” with the show.
“It’s all about balance and I really feel like they have spent so much time and care, and you couldn’t ask for more than that. That’s why I’m really excited to unveil the show,” Foster said.
A big difference between the movie and the musical is the score. Foster said none of the music from the movie is in the musical, though the score maintains that pop-rock essence.
“The score in general is one of the strongest I’ve ever been a part of,” said Foster, who recently appeared as Inga in the Broadway musical version of the classic movie “Young Frankenstein.”
Foster said she was “beyond impressed” with the sets for “Shrek,” saying they worked to tell the story.
“It’s not a huge spectacle for no reason at all,” Foster said. “It’s really smart.”
As for how the cast will look on stage, Foster was mum about that too. “It’s a great team. It’s the only thing I will say. It’s very impressive.”
Of course, certain basic elements of the musical will honor the movie, such as the main cast of characters. Besides Shrek and Fiona, there will be a wisecracking sidekick Donkey, a Lord Farquaad and a Dragon.
Brian d’Arcy James plays Shrek. He was nominated for a Tony in 2002 for his portrayal of Sidney Falco in “Sweet Smell of Success,” co-starring John Lithgow.
“I think that audiences will be blown away by Brian D’Arcy James as Shrek. It is a thrill to be his Princess Fiona … and I love sharing the stage with him,” Foster said.
Foster, 33, got her big break during rehearsals of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” in San Diego, when she was pulled from the chorus to replace the leading lady. Foster went on to do the show on Broadway and won the 2002 Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical.
“That really changed my life literally in one night and now I just hope to continue to grow and hopefully get better as an actress,” she said.
A local actress who might be following in Foster’s footsteps is Keaton Whittaker, 11, who will play Young Fiona at certain 5th Avenue Theatre performances. Keaton lives in Bothell.
Foster apologized for not being able to reveal too much about the new “Shrek,” and hoped her excitement got the point across.
“We want to hold onto as many of those secrets as we can,” Foster said. “We’re still figuring out so many things, but I don’t think people will be disappointed.”
Reporter Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424 or goffredo@heraldnet.com
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