Hard Road Theatre celebrates 15th anniversary with performance of ‘Shrek’
Fresh out of college, Evan Fifer, auditioned for the national tour production of Shrek and was one of four finalists for the role of Lord Faarquad.
“So, Shrek has always held a spot close to my heart,” said Fifer, the president Hard Road Theatre Productions in Highland.
Most importantly, though, through all the jokes and antics, Shrek has a great message about inner beauty and is fun for all ages, Fifer said.
With that mind, Fifer wanted to do something big for Hard Road’s 15th anniversary.
He chose Shrek.
Based upon the 2001 Academy Award-winning movie and the 2009 Tony-nominated Broadway musical of the same name, Shrek is the story of an ogre who just wants to live alone in peace in his swamp.
You are invited to join the unlikely hero and his loyal steed and best friend, Donkey, as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona from a love-sick dragon. Add the diminutive Lord Farquaad (who just wants to be king), a gang of fairytale misfits, and a cookie with attitude, and you’ve got the biggest, brightest musical comedy around. It’s a must-see show for the entire family.
This will be the first time Hard Road has performed Shrek, but it has been performed by other groups in the area since its release three years ago for public performance.
“We are sparing no expense, however, to offer a production that everyone will enjoy,” Fifer said.
Shrek will be performed July 24, 25, 31, and Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and July 26 and Aug. 2 at 2:00 p.m. All performances will be held at the Highland Elementary Auditorium located at 1800 Lindenthal Ave. in Highland.
Tickets are $12.50 each (children 3 years old and younger are free). Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Online ticket purchases stop 30 minutes before the scheduled show time. Children 4-12 will receive a special coupon at the door for a free small drink and popcorn. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.
Fifer said this is the most talented cast he has ever had the pleasure of directing in 19 shows.
Also, Hard Road has rented a professionally created, 12-foot-long dragon from Chicago, as well as professional costumes to ensure a visually appealing show.
“Likewise, Shrek and Fiona will be wearing custom-made prosthetics,” Fifer said.
The stage show is based on the first movie of Shrek and contains mostly original songs with a couple classics from the movie.
“The show translates very well to the stage, and the music is electric,” Fifer said.
In addition to a cast of more than 40, Fifer has a producer, two assistant directors, a choreographer, music director, stage manager, sound engineer, light engineer, stage hands, and others who help build the set or work the gate.
“Every one of these people donates countless hours to ensure we put on the best production possible,” Fifer said. “Most people don’t realize that every person involved in a Hard Road show does so on a volunteer basis, including myself.”
Shrek will feature a mix of Hard Road veterans and newcomers representing Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Dragon, a host of fairy tale creatures, and others.
Off stage
Aside from putting on top quality productions for 15 years, Hard Road has had the privilege of giving back to the Highland community.
Most recently, Hard Road installed more than $11,000 of lighting equipment at the elementary school auditorium that will improve the quality of all shows there for years to come. Hard Road also donated proceeds from some shows to the local food pantry.
“In the last 15 years, Hard Road has evolved from a group that performed a couple shows a year to a group that performs four to six shows a year, including two children’s shows that enable us to teach the arts to the next generation,” Fifer said.
On stage
While most of the faces have changed, Hard Road’s desire to provide Highland with quality theatrical productions remains unchanged.
“Expect Hard Road to continue to provide a mix of the newest available shows as well as the classics, and we will continue to cover the spectrum between family-friendly and tastefully edgy,” Fifer said.
Recently, Hard Road offered a one night only, catered production of South Pacific: In Concert.
“We will also be providing more special events like this in the coming years,” Fifer said.
Fast forward
Fifer pointed out that the most important factor to the theater company’s continued success is the support it receives from the Highland community.
“Nothing that we do would be possible without the dozens of people who donate their time and money to produce each and every show and the hundreds who support us by coming to see our shows. Hard Road was set up for success, though, by our founders,” he said. “Bill Sullivan, Holli Martin, and John Jatcko created a solid foundation of bylaws, rules, and guidelines that have ensured Hard Road will continue to adapt to an ever-changing audience.”
Having been around both professional and community theater for more than 15 years, Fifer said he has come to appreciate community theater for the dedication and ingenuity of all those involved.
“Those involved in community theater do not get paid and are usually working with an extremely limited budget,” he said. “To be able to put together a quality show under these circumstances requires a love of what you do and a lot of creativity. Hard Road continues to flourish because we embrace each and every one of these people. We encourage new people to get involved, either on stage or behind it, because we know that every person brings a passion and new ideas that will keep us moving forward.”
This story was originally published July 23, 2015 at 3:00 AM with the headline "Hard Road Theatre celebrates 15th anniversary with performance of ‘Shrek’."