By Jack Reaney SENIOR EDITOR
Big Sky Broadway is ready to perform “Shrek the Musical” this weekend with a cast of 36 local kids entering sixth through ninth grade.
Led by a staff of 22 including former Big Sky Broadway stars like Ava King and Logan Barker, the show came together in just two weeks and roughly 40 rehearsal hours—a typical sprint of preparation for the revered local program.
“It’s a huge amount of work for them, and they absolutely love it,” said Barbara Rowley, Big Sky Broadway founder and producer. “They beg to do it.”
The two-hour shows will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28 at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center. Lead roles are double cast for Friday and Saturday, respectively: Grayson Kidd and Jens Biggerstaff as Shrek; James Wilson and Charlotte Kidd as Donkey; Olive Bibbins and Stella Romine as Fiona; and Cameron Marshall and Nikky Kamierniarz as Lord Farquaad.
Tickets are still available online, and Rowley emphasized the importance of ticket sales to support the independent youth theater program. Sponsors also provide crucial funding: Spanish Peaks Community Foundation and the Maude E. Glore Foundation.
Big Sky Broadway Jr., a foundational program for kids between first and fifth grade, recently performed “Annie” with just one week of preparation.
Rowley said both programs typically fill within 48 hours when registration opens in January.
Big Sky Broadway performed “Shrek” a handful of years ago, and this year they’re excited to be using the official Broadway script. The full cast and more information is available on the production’s webpage.
