Continuing through July 26, the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Moncia is presenting Shrek The Musical Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm, along with The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe on Saturdays and Sundays at 11am.
Based on the 2001 DreamWorks animated film, Shrek The Musical with Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and Music by Jeanine Tesori, is a hilarious and heartwarming fairy-tale adventure about an unlikely hero. When a group of banished fairy-tale creatures suddenly appears in the swamp of the grumpy ogre Shrek, he sets out to confront the ambitious ruler, Lord Farquaad and reclaim his home. In order to do so, Shrek agrees to rescue Princess Fiona, a princess locked away in a tower and guarded by a fearsome dragon.
Joined by the endlessly talkative Donkey, Shrek embarks on a journey that quickly becomes more than a simple quest. Along the way, unlikely friendships form and surprising truths are revealed. Filled with comedy, spectacle, and a host of beloved fairy-tale characters, this musical celebration reminds us that real beauty—and real love—comes from embracing who we truly are.
Produced by Ann Vilella and Cori Goldberg, Shrek The Musical is directed by Michael Heimos, with choreographer Lauren Blair and music director Lori Merkle. Featured in the cast are Spencer Johnson (Shrek), Roni Dvir (Fiona), Daniel Scipio (Donkey) and Tyler Marshall (Lord Farquaad). Shrek The Musical tickets are $32 adults, $28 seniors, and $25 students. A talkback with the Cast and Creative Team takes place on Friday, July 17 immediately following the performance.
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is a dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic work which faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. Chases, duels, and escapes are part of the exciting action as love, courage and giving triumph! Please note: This show is written for young audiences, based on the children’s book, but please be aware that there are sword fights, and a brief simulated death with blood stains.
The production is directed by Cybelle Kaehler and produced by Elizabeth Michalak for the Morgan-Wixson Theatre’s YES Program. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe tickets are $17 adults or $13 for children under 12.
Tickets for both productions are available online at www.morgan-wixson,org or by calling the box office at (310) 828-7519. Available seats will be sold at the box office prior to each performance. The Morgan-Wixson Theatre is located at 2627 Pico Blvd in Santa Monica, 90405.
And here’s another chance to seeShrek The Musical when The Aerospace Playersbring it to the James Armstrong Theatre in Torrance, opening this Friday, July 17 through July 25. The production is directed by Lisa and Jason Stout, and features Ben Hess (Shrek), Katie MacDonald (Fiona), Brendan Lynch (Donkey), and Matt Auer (Lord Farquaad).
The production is staged with a live orchestra for six shows on Friday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, July 19 at 2 p.m., Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 24, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, July 25 at 2 p.m., at the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance 90503.
General admission tickets are $26 Adults, $24 Seniors and Students, $22 Children and group rate offered for 10 or more tickets to a single performance. Special promotional offer: Kids Free Matinees (First 100 children 12 and under get in free with a ticketed adult, but you must RSVP in advance at aeroplayers.org). Sponsored by Arts Council of Torrance (artscounciloftorrance.org)
To purchase tickets online, go to aeroplayers.org. Or tickets can be purchased in person at the James Armstrong box office in advance or on the day of performances. Call the box office at (310) 781-7171 for hours of operation. For questions or more information, please email ae**************@***il.com.
The Aerospace Players is an Aerospace Corporation recreational club formed in 1988. Productions have participation and talent from The Aerospace Corporation, the Los Angeles Air Force Base, friends, family, industry colleagues and the broader community.