“All three shows offer different musical styles that can be enjoyed by families,” said Adam Robertson, president of the SCERA.
During the summer, the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre lights up the stage with three musicals and a variety of musical performers. The shows run for three weeks apiece with performances on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Here is a brief synopsis of each musical as well as audition information to mark on your calendar.
Bringing a swampy twist to fairytales and nursery rhymes, “Shrek the Musical” opens the SCERA’s summer season. Follow Shrek, an ogre, as he accepts a mission to rescue a princess in exchange for peace in his swamp.
“This is the first time we’ve done Shrek at the Shell, so that’s a first for patrons, and a great way to kick off our 34th summer under the stars,” Robertson said.
The SCERA’s production will be directed by Shawn M. Mortensen with music direction by Brandalee Streeter. Sunny Watts will choreograph the musical and Danielle Berry will serve as stage manager. The opening show will run June 8-23.
Auditions for the show are March 21-22 from 7-9 p.m. at the SCERA.
Director Jerry Elison will lead the cast in telling the story of Huckleberry Finn as Huck helps Jim, a slave, escape. The show runs from July 6-21.
Auditions for the show are April 24-25 from 7-9 p.m. at the SCERA.
When Conrad Birdie, the pop sensation of the 60s, is drafted into the Vietnam War, Conrad’s managers concoct a scheme to say goodbye to the beloved heartthrob. An All-American girl, Kim MacAfee, is randomly selected to receive a farewell kiss from Conrad, which throws twists into her and her family’s lives.
“We finish with ‘Bye Bye Birdie,’ an upbeat 60s rock and roll romantic musical comedy inspired by Elvis,” Robertson said.
Under the direction of Howard and Kathryn Little, “Bye Bye Birdie” closes the 2018 summer season from August 3-18. Auditions for the show are May 21-22 from 7-9 p.m. at the SCERA.
For more information on auditions, visit scera.org.