by Miguel Cruz on 2014-04-23
This past weekend the Inland Empire was treated to some spectacular entertainment when Geri Marquez led a talented cast in exceptional Terrace View production, for the 7th year, “Shrek the Musical” brought to life at the Colton High School auditorium. Audiences got to see fairytale creatures come to life in a colorful, and very funny musical treat!
In preparation for the production, many of the cast members had become fans of the the DVD of the original Broadway cast production.
They were excited to learn that the role of The White Rabbit was originated and played by local (Redlands) actor Noah Rivera. Rivera is currently performing in “Jersey Boys” at the Paris in Las Vegas, but was in Southern California the Monday of “Shrek’s” final rehearsals.
He had spoken with Geri Marquez about stopping by to speak with the cast and she was thrilled!
Noah came to the Monday evening rehearsal and shared about his experience creating a new Broadway show, working with a top-notch cast that included Sutton Foster and Brian D’Arcy James and the excitement of playing numerous roles in the show. He was also able to share highlights of his other Broadway performances in “Wicked” and “In the Heights”, as well as giving advice about training and the audition process.
Rivera took questions from the cast, pausing to mention that he and leading lady Samantha Stevenson (Fiona) has performed in “Guys and Dolls” while in high school at Redlands Arrowhead Christian Academy. Noah was impressed with the great work that Samantha and all the cast were doing. He was particularly moved by the fact that for many cast members “Shrek” was their very first show. “I am so grateful to have been able to come meet them” he said. “If someone from the original cast of “Oliver” had come to the Fontana Mummers to speak to our cast (Rivera’s first show at age 8) I would have been so in awe. These kids are great,” he added. “They asked really good questions. You can tell they are serious about the craft of acting. Geri has done a wonderful job with them. This experience has really been a blessing,” said Rivera.
Director Marquez was very appreciative of Noah’s visit. “Having Noah was so wonderful and exciting for our cast. It really helped to stimulate and inspire all of my actors... both the young and old. Starting off our 'heck week' in this way was good for everyone, as I know everyone seemed to enjoy and hang on Noah's every word. His accomplishments and experience are so commendable.. and knowing that he came from the same neighborhoods, same theatre groups, and same people that all these kids are from showed what potential, hard work, and real determination aspiring to be a great performer they can be too,” Marques said.
Cast members took photographs with Noah and asked for autographs as well.
Hannah Thompson, who played Goldilocks said: "Shrek is really fun to do. It's got a lot of comedy, romance, action.. You name it! I recommend auditioning and trying out for these musicals. I thought it was really cool that Noah came. All of the kids loved it and adored him! It was a great experience that someone who is actually on Broadway could come and share a whole bunch of tips with us!"
Alyssa Day, who plead the Sugar Plum Fairy had high praise for everyone involved in this production: “I think what Geri Marquez does every year is absolutely amazing. She gives kids of all ages this incredible opportunity to perform and experience a real show with all of its ups and downs. These kids are so talented and to see them get up and give it their all is so fun. When Noah Rivera came to speak to these kids at our rehearsal I was blown away. He gave advice I would have loved to receive as a kid trying to get the hang of acting. He answered all of their questions and encouraged them in ways only a professional could. Having Noah there was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I am so honored to have been a part of. Thank you Noah!“
As the play began, the retelling of this hilarious movie did not disappoint, maintaining the comedy and adventure of the movie.
The play had a darker tone than the movie in the beginning, as 7-year-old Shrek was put on the street by his parents as they informed him in song, of the cruel reality of an ogre, that he must face as an outcast in society. Other parts of the play had a lighter tone than the movie, and it brought a balance that both kids and adults enjoyed.
Shrek was played by Terrace View teacher, and long-time actor Tom Fletcher, who owned the role in a way that was easy to mistake his accent to Mike Myers.
Jacqueline Gamboa, Megan Ramirez, and Samantha Stephenson were Fiona at different ages, and they captured Fiona's dreams of a romantic rescue and a happily ever after.
Steven Spellacy put his own style into the character of the lovable Donkey, which was presented as a no-apologies, fun-loving and flamboyant feature, which won the hearts of those who attended the play right away.
The team of talented actors from Terrace View Elementary and the community were complemented by the professional live band, set and costumes that the team worked to provide for the community.
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Shrek: the Musical
Date: Thursday, April 17, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Event Location: Colton High Auditorium
Address: 777 W Valley Blvd Colton CA 92324
Description: Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from any cast member or by calling the school.
CONTACT INFO
Phone: (909) 586-5792
MORE INFO:
We need your help in promoting Terrace View presents Shrek the Musical. We have over 100 students working hard and would like to fill every seat in the Colton High auditorium. We are trying to reach out to the surrounding communities, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Our director is Geri Marquez and she can be reached at 909-725-0341. I have attached some background information.
please feel free to call me if you have any questions.
Robert Sanchez
909-709-7372
Shrek: The Musical: Tickets for Terrace View’s Spring Musical on Sale
by Maria Notarangelo
Last year, as soon as the final curtain dropped on the magnificent Wizard of Oz, the gossip and guessing began: “What will Ms. Marquez’s next musical be?
In a brilliant follow-up, Shrek: The Musical is this year’s Terrace View Spring Musical. Shrek is a beloved animated movie, and the stage musical is a hilarious retelling of the contemporary, yet classic, story of true love and inner beauty. With well-known songs from the movie, and new ones too, audience members young and old will delight in the love story of Shrek (played by veteran leading man and Terrace View teacher Tom Fletcher) and Princess Fiona (played, from a young girl to a tower-locked princess, by three actresses: Jacqueline Gamboa, Megan Ramirez, and Samantha Stephenson), aided by their overenthusiastic sidekick Donkey (Steven Spellacy). A comedic highlight of this show is the mixing and mingling of classic fairy tale creatures, such as the Big Bad Wolf, the Fairy Godmother, the Three Little Pigs, Pinocchio, and the Ginger Bread Man, as they solve the problem of being banished from Duloc and relocated to Shrek’s swamp.
For the past seven years, our community has been enriched by Geri Marquez’s annual musical productions. With actors from Terrace View Elementary, the local community, and the Inland Empire, Marquez has brought to the stage such gems as Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, and Willy Wonka.
As in Marquez’s musicals of years past, audience members will be astonished and wonderstruck by the magnitude of the production. Framing the talents of the actors, singers, and dancers, are the masterly designed sets, carefully hand-sewn costumes, and artfully painted backdrops. Parents, actors, and community volunteers have already put in countless hours toward the staging of Shrek. This year, there will be a sign-language interpreter at the Saturday matinee.
Tickets are now on sale and are expected to sell out! Performances will held in the Colton High School auditorium on April 17th, 18th, and 19th at 7 pm, with a matinee performance at 2 pm on Saturday, April 18th. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from any cast member or by calling the school at (909) 586-5792.