Some of the damage has been preserved/enshrined in the proscenium area, and a beautiful-ruin photograph of the fire-gutted auditorium graces the stylish new lobby. I think I heard on a radio interview that it took seven years and millions of dollars to get this historic/now-modern theatre back in action. Hat's off to all who worked on this monumental project.
Lansing's Kayla Green was a fabulous and funny Fiona, with stellar costars Michael Windnagle as an obnoxiously endearing Shrek, Artis White as the annoyingly adorable donkey, and Zac Wieber as the short-on-stature but long on talent Lord Farquaad. Mandy Bashore was the knockout voice and persona of the Dragon, which was a wonderful four-person puppet, complete with light-up eyes.
Impressive set pieces flew up and in and out accompanied by magical lighting effects and floor floating fog. The costumes were plentiful and clever; the choreography was a treat (I especially enjoyed the tap dancing rats.) Kudos to director/choreographer Garett Bradley. The standing ovation was well deserved.
I think I've heard that the place seats about 500 and it was sold out. One more weekend:
May 16, 17 – 8:00 p.m.
May 17, 18 – 3:00 p.m.
tickets $20 adults ($10 for age18 and under) Get them while you can at:
www.owossoplayers.com
122 E. Main Street
Owosso, Mich. 48867
Worth the drive!