When actor Steve Russell (a fellow member of Prologue to the Performing Arts board of directors) let us know he had the lead roal in the production Shrek the Musical, playing in the Concert Hall in Cobourg's gorgeous historic building Victorial Hall, it ocured to me that it would be a great excuse to get a family out of town.
We all know the story of the unseemly love story between the green ogre and Princess Fiona. This production features a cast of twenty six (more detail about the cast and Steve Russel in this article), dancing and signing their way through an adaptation of DreamWork's animated movie, set in the beautiful Victoria Hall. It will play on April 26, 27 and May 3 at 2 p.m. (and April 24, 25, 26 and May 1,2,3 at 8 p.m).
Since the venue's website posted a confusing "$26 per adult" when promoting the show (which made me wonder if it was an adult version), I asked Steve about it and here's the answer from "Shrek" himself:
It is "good for the whole family" - there is lots of adult content that will fly over the kids' heads. It is also the Shrek story from the first film but with lots of new music and dance numbers added. It is a real treat for everyone. It was quite a hit on Broadway where there aren't a lot of small children paying the bills. There is only one price for tickets (just like Mirvish shows).I recommend it to everyone above the age of 5 or 6. Small children may be frightened by the dragon and other costumes. Adults will get the many references to other shows and appreciate the more significant meaning of 'letting your freak flag fly' and everyone will laugh at the fart jokes... in spite of themselves.
Day trip
In addition to offering a cheaper performing arts experience then Toronto's larger venues (Shrek the Musical costs at $26 per person while tickets to the Lion King Mirvish Production, starting April 30, will range from $50 to $170), the Cobourg production has the advantage of giving families the chance to enjoy the lovely setting of Cobourg Beach. No need to wait for the summer to have fun playing in the sand, throwing freesbees and walking along the long waterfront. The beach is just half a km from Victoria Hall (going east on King Street, turn righ on Division Street to reach the waterfront).
Restaurant spotting
The Concert Hall is located at 55 King Street. Across the street is the Buttermilk Café(44 King Street). It has great reviews and would be my first choice for a bite before or after the matinee show. (They had me at "open-faced tartine complete with homemade Country bread.) It is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday (7 a.m. to 4 p.m. the rest of the week).
I recommend an early lunch (the breakfast menu is served until 3 p.m.), followed by a walk to the beach to wear the kids out so they can then enjoy sitting "still" to follow Shrek's adventures.
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