How to go
What: The Rotary Club of Hamilton presents “Shrek the Musical”
Where: Hamilton High School – Rotary Auditorium, 1165 Eaton Ave., Hamilton; note: This is a new location this year.
When: Thursday, March 10-Sunday, March 13. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Cost: $16
Tickets/more info: Tickets are available by calling Carol Christian at (513) 348-5372, or at the door, if available. Tickets may also be purchased online at hamiltonohiorotary.com/event/shrek-the-musical/
Also: For more information about Rotary, or to find out about becoming a Rotarian, go online to https://hamiltonohiorotary.com/
The Rotary Club of Hamilton will bring “Shrek the Musical” to the stage for its annual Rotary Presents fundraiser.
David Mancuso, president of The Rotary Club of Hamilton, said the production is slated as a major fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Hamilton, which has 131 active Rotarian members.
“It’s a great musical. It’s very student-friendly. ‘Shrek’ is a popular movie from DreamWorks. A lot of children are familiar with ‘Shrek’ and to put this into a musical, it’s going to be really exciting to see it interpreted on the stage,” Mancuso said.
“Shrek the Musical” will run from Thursday, March 10, through Sunday, March 13, at the Hamilton High School — Rotary Auditorium.
Each year, $10,000 to $20,000 is raised as a result of fundraising efforts, and those monies go back into the community, Mancuso said.
Rotary Club of Hamilton provides about $10,000 in scholarships to students in the Hamilton area every year. The club also honors requests that go through their philanthropy committee, and it gives out another $5,000 that is provided to local charitable organizations.
Additionally, Rotary supports the Salvation Army, providing Christmas gifts to children in the community, and hosts several science fairs in the Hamilton City School District, among other endeavors.
The show is directed by Bill Balfour. Barb Winkler and Jane Winkler serve as producers. There are about 65 actors in the cast, and more than 100 volunteers, including the participating Rotarians, who do the set construction, sell tickets and program ads and do a lot or work behind the scenes.
“We have a lot of talent in this community, and we bring in some fantastic performers. The costumes are amazing, and we build a good set. I think it’s great entertainment,” Mancuso said.
Balfour said the production is based on the story of the movie put to song. Jason Lakes will star as Shrek, and Sydney Higgins is playing Fiona. Rodney Neal will act as the Donkey.
“I hope people walk away laughing, and remembering how fun the experience was, and the basic moral of the story is ogres aren’t necessarily bad. It communicates a message of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover,’ ” Balfour said
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