Shrek, the Musical – Why Now?

Chalice Theatre chose to produce Shrek, the Musical, when we were finishing the 2016

South Pacific run. At that time, Shrek’s appeal was its large ensemble—which meant lots

of opportunities for cast—and the musical’s fun, up feeling. Now, almost a year later,

we gather for rehearsals in a political environment that feels very different from our

past seasons. According to Chalice’s Director, Walter Ware III, Shrek is the perfect

production for this time.

“The show is about acceptance,” he explains. “Shrek travels to Duloc because the fairy

tale characters have been exiled to his swamp, all because they are different. The script

actually says, ‘all fruitcakes and freaks will be sent to a resettlement facility.’ “

The fairy tale characters eventually rebel against this exclusion in the song Freak Flag,

when they sing “All the things that make us special are the things that make us strong.”

“This is why Shrek, the Musical, is so important now,” Ware says. “The show celebrates

the fact that we are all unique. Politically, we’re facing an administration whose policies

may threaten anyone who shows up with any difference. Presenting a show that affirms

difference speaks volumes.”

“It’s also critical for kids to have a voice right now,” he continues. “The show gives them

a chance to be whomever they want to be. UUCA is doing great work by providing this

program for these kids – for all the cast, really. We all need to keep our freak flag

waving!”

This is Ware’s second production with Chalice Theatre. He is the casting director for

Signature Theatre in Shirlington.