By Kate Bartlett
Shea’s Buffalo Theatre is celebrating a successful season with their Broadway Series with a family favorite coming May 16-19: Shrek the Musical. Based on the hit DreamWorks animated film, Shrek the Musical is a hilarious fairy tale adventure with a cast of vibrant characters for all ages.
Beth Potozniak, Marketing and Communications Manager, is excited to bring this show to the Shea’s stage. “It’s a great show for all ages, with a vibrant cast and award-winning music, there’s something for everyone.” The storyline follows an ogre named Shrek along a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and feisty princess. The colorful show celebrates the importance of loving ourselves and one another not despite, but because of our differences.
The original Shrek the Musical opened on Broadway on December 14, 2008, running for 441 performances and 37 previews. The musical received eight Tony Award nominations, winning one. The original film won an Oscar and has been celebrated as a family classic for over 20 years, and has produced 5 sequels.
This is the fourth Special Engagement sponsored by Gallagher at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre this season. With MJ The Musical part of the 2023-24 Five Star Bank Broadway Season wrapping up the season in June. “The second half of this season was a home run, with most shows nearly selling out,” reports Beth. “It’s been an incredible season and we’re thankful for the community for supporting the arts.”
The 2024-25 Five Star Bank Broadway Season was recently announced and brings Broadway Hits including Some Like it Hot, & Juliet, Disney’s The Lion King, The Wiz, Shucked, The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise and Back to the Future, The Musical. The hit musical, Hamilton will also be returning to Buffalo in October as a Special Subscriber Add-On.
As always, Sheas continues to work diligently on restoration efforts. “Virtually any time there is a break in between shows, our dedicated team is hard at work on restoring the theatre. We have artists carefully re-stenciling the wallpaper, faithfully working on the banisters, and tirelessly touching up anything and everything that makes our theatre the historic gem that it is.”
Shea’s Performing Arts Center is comprised of 3 stages in the theatre district in Downtown Buffalo. Shea’s Buffalo Theatre has been dubbed the crown jewel, and originally opened in 1926 as “The Wonder Theatre”. Over the past 20 years, there has been over $30 million in restoration completed, all by volunteers, which allows Buffalo to keep the only surviving Tiffany designed theater in magnificent condition.
Shea’s is hosting a Family Night for Shrek on Friday, May 17th with a special ticket offer and free Shrek goodie bags for the first 100 guests. “We love having a family friendly show and invite all ages to enjoy the show. It’s a great opportunity to bring your children to the theatre and expose them to the arts.”
For more information sheas.org and follow on Social Media @ Shea’s Performing Arts Center. Additional information about the show is available at www.shrekthemusicaltour.com. Follow the tour on Instagram @shrekthemusicaltour.