REGION: Kelsey Theatre host auditions

Maurer Productions OnStage is conducting open auditions for its production of the Tony-nominated show ‘Shrek The Musical’

WEST WINDSOR — Maurer Productions OnStage is conducting open auditions for its production of the Tony-nominated show “Shrek The Musical,” which will run at Kelsey Theatre in West Windsor, from May 30 – June 8.
   Auditions are being conducted for 21 roles for adult and teenage actors, singers and dancers, as well as four roles for children ages 8-12.
   Dates for children’s auditions are Jan. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m., while auditions for prospective performers 13 years and older are being held Jan. 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 12 to 6 p.m., respectively.
   Audutions are being held at the Mercer County Community College West Windsor Campus, located at 1200 Old Trenton Road.
   Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, this live stage version of Shrek was nominated for eight Tony Awards including best score and best book for a musical when it originally opened on Broadway in 2008.
   It is set in a faraway kingdom turned upside down, where an unseemly ogre — not a handsome prince — shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won’t shut up, a bad guy with a short temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero.
   Full of all-new songs, great dancing, great scenery and even a giant dragon, Shrek The Musical is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and irreverent fun for everyone.
   This main stage production will be directed by Laurie Gougher, the director of Pennington Player’s productions of “Seussical the Musical” and “13 the Musical.” She recently received a Kelsey Award for her music direction of PinnWorth Productions’ “The Pirates of Penzance” and a Perry Award nomination for her music direction of Maurer Productions’ “Avenue Q.”
   ”Shrek” will also feature music direction by Peter de Mets, choreography by Stephanie Venanzi, stage management by Beverly Kuo-Hamilton, costume design by Kathy Slothower, set design by John Maurer and lighting design by Kitty Getlik. The show will be produced by John Maurer, Diana Gilman Maurer, and Dan Maurer.
   Over the last nine years, Maurer Productions OnStage has staged 26 productions at Kelsey Theatre which have been honored with 60 NJACT Perry Award nominations and 12 wins in various technical and performing categories.
   To get audition details and register for an audition appointment online, visit our CastMe website, or email [email protected], or call 609-882-2292.