The swamp comes alive in Yorktown

Swamp adventures are coming to life at Yorktown Stage in “Shrek the Musical.”

Nearly 160 actors from Manhattan, across New York, and neighboring states auditioned, with 24 making the cast, which includes professionals, local performers, and four students. The cast rehearses the show only about 10 times before moving into technical rehearsals.

The audition turnout for this production was higher than usual—typically, auditions draw about 80 to 100 people. Artistic Director August Abatecola said actors are connecting with the show’s message and are excited to be part of it.

“I think for actors, they find the production so delicious to be a part of, because every person in the show gets to be some insane character, whether it's the wicked witch or Peter Pan or Pinocchio—a character that everybody knows and loves, of course, with a funny twist added to them,” Abatecola said. “Everybody gets some kind of feature, but at the same time, I think people do absolutely love what ‘Shrek’ means.”

The simple message, Abatecola said, is to have a good time. But on a deeper level, “Shrek” is all about acceptance.

“It doesn't matter that you're ‘a freak’ or whatever it may be—some kind of fairy tale creature they are. They are accepted. They love who they are,” Abatecola said. “That's what's so cool about this show, that at the end of it, you do walk away kind of going, OK there's this awesome little message that comes along with it.”

Abatecola said the rehearsal room is buzzing.

“The rehearsals have been absolutely incredible,” he said. “This cast—they're a bunch of firecrackers. They are jumping in. They are not afraid to take chances or take risks and it's so much fun.”

Those qualities were all part of the reason the show was chosen as Yorktown Stage’s fall professional main stage production.

“I just feel everybody wants to have a good laugh and come and enjoy a great day or evening of theater,” Abatecola said. “We're already feeling it in here—we’re the ones reading the script and setting up the jokes, but as the jokes are landing, we're finding ourselves laughing at them. It's so fantastic.”

The family-friendly production follows Shrek on a journey with Donkey, Fiona, Lord Farquaad, and a cast of fairy tale misfits. With humor, heart, and a message of acceptance, the show offers entertainment for audiences of all ages.

DreamWorks’ characters come to life with colorful scenery, dazzling special effects, and lively choreography. A live orchestra performs the hit-filled score, including “I’m a Believer” and “Big Bright Beautiful World.” Yorktown Stage favorites Joey Sanzaro and Michelle Foard lead as Shrek and Fiona.

Abatecola called the production’s quality “unbelievable,” likening it to last year’s “Mary Poppins.”

The show will feature an 18-foot custom-built dragon puppet and costumes too large to travel to the theater in regular cars.

“The scenery is to die for,” Abatecola said.

“Shrek the Musical” kicked off this weekend and will continue with performances throughout the month at Yorktown Stage, with matinee and evening performances. Tickets are available at yorktownstage.org or by calling 914-962-0606.