Bringing a Larger-Than-Life Movie Musical to the Stage
5 Questions with Craig
Williams II
Director, Shrek The Musical
by Alexa Giacomini, Member – Muni Board of
Managers
AG: Tell us a little about yourself…
CW: I
have performed onstage since I have 4 years old. My mom would bribe me with
toys and chocolate to sing at church or for her friends. Since then, I have
been tuned onto the community theater scene; I audition and participate in as
much as I can.
Professionally, I
started in public accounting in 2006 with Sikich LLP in Springfield , IL
AG: What's your Muni
experience?
CW: I started
performing and volunteering in Muni productions when I was in high school. My
first Muni show was My Fair Lady in which I played in the Cockney
Quartet. Since then, I have only been absent from “the magic” for 1 year while
I was in college. I have been in many different productions, including Oklahoma
While performing, I
had a growing interest in the creative process of theatre. In college, I began
as an architecture major and designing was still something I enjoyed. So, I
joined the staff of The Music Man as the Assistant Director and
Stage Manager. Thereafter, I had the bug.
The following year,
I expressed my interest in directing Disney's High School Musical and
my hope came true. With a vibrant staff behind me, we had a blast putting
together my first Muni show. Since then, I have directed Hairspray, Disney's
Beauty and the Beast, and Dreamgirls.
Each year, I meet more new and talented individuals. The people
are what make “the Muni magic” happen and I try to surround myself with
creative, fun and passionate individuals who aren't afraid of trying new things
or having an opinion.
AG: You've produced
multiple big ensemble, movie-to-musical shows at the Muni the past few years.
What's the biggest challenge and greatest reward in producing this type of
show?
CW: First,
unlike original stage plays, movie-to-musical shows have a story that many
people already know, so accounting for preconceived notions is a big part of the
initial, creative process. I try to go through and determine what is iconic to
the show, then design a new or modified production around it. On the other
hand, because many people know the story and really enjoy it, they come
expecting to be entertained and are usually easy to please!
Also, the shows I
have directed have been very popular on Broadway and draw a fun, energetic
audience, which energizes the actors and boosts the performance to a new
level.
Lastly, each year, I
learn something new, whether it is a better way of doing something or an
innovative set design. Trying to surprise or amaze the audience in even the
smallest way is a fun way to spice up a show that people might already know.
AG: What special
costumes, sets, and/or effects can we expect to see at Shrek The Musical this summer?
CW: Being a
fantasy, Shrek The Musical has lots
of room for fun and over-the-top designs! At Muni, we have no ceiling, so sets
can be large and detailed to draw the audience into the world of ogres,
fairytale creatures and dragons.
This year, the stage
will become a giant, green swamp. From his swampy home, Shrek, with his
extensive prosthetic make-up, will emerge to fight a 30 foot long dragon that
breathes smoke, flies around the stage and falls in love with a donkey, whose
ears actually move. Also, we can't forget about Pinocchio and his nose that
grows right in front of your eyes! Fantasy will become real in Shrek The
Musical at The Muni. Our costumer and makeup artists have some work cut
out for them, but there is lots of magic coming to the Muni stage.
AG: Why should people
come see Shrek The Musical?
CW: Shrek The Musical has heart. It teaches the importance of
being different and being proud of who or what you are. Not everyone fits into
a cookie cutter world nor should we, and by standing out of the crowd, Shrek is
able to lead the way for many others to be who they are and stand up for what
they believe.
Just as important,
you will enjoy the music. It's fun and contagious. You will toe tap and hum
your way through the show and back home at the end of the night. It is the
perfect show for a night under the stars at The Muni.
