Reynoldsburg native returns home as royalty in 'Shrek'

Reynoldsburg High School (’05) and Otterbein College (’09) graduate Liv Shivener returns to central Ohio as Princess Fiona in the touring production of Shrek the Musical.

The production runs for eight shows Jan. 10-15 at the Ohio Theatre.

After graduating from Otterbein, Shivener moved to New York City to chase the dream, and had been cast as Belle in a national tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Not long after that stint ended, she hit the road with Shrek.

“Sadly, I haven't spent much time in (New York) since I've lived there, but I have been working, so I can't complain,” she said.

She was kind enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions posed by The Beat.

The Beat: Have you done professional stage work “back home” before? In either case, can you talk about your thoughts on coming back home with “Shrek”?

Liv Shivener: I worked for Phoenix Theatre Circle my senior year of high school and performed SEUSSICAL with them at the Riffe Center. Other than my work at Otterbein, that's it. I am thrilled to be performing at the Ohio. I have so many fond memories of going there to see shows as a child, or to watch movies during the Summer Series.

TB: How did you get the part as Fiona and were you familiar with the show before you auditioned? When did you start the tour?

LS: The casting director for Shrek was also who called me in for Beauty and the Beast. His name is Bob Cline, also an Otterbein graduate. I saw the show on Broadway and loved it so I just wanted to audition. I gave him a call and he had me in for callbacks with the director, Stephen Sposito, and choreographer, Chris Bailey. The rest just fell into place. We have been on the road since September.

TB: What should audiences, especially those who are familiar with the movie but perhaps not the musical, expect?

LS: Whether you have seen the films or not, it is a great show. It's a modern fairy tale that just really is enjoyed by everyone. The book and lyrics were written by David Lindsay-Abaire, a Pulitzer nominee, so it is a legit and respectable piece of theater.

For those who have seen the movie, they can expect all that they want, and more. What's great about the musical is that you get more background information on Shrek, Fiona and Donkey. Other lovable characters like Pinocchio and Gingy get a lot more face time, too. And the music is phenomenal, with something for everyone. It's a blast to perform and I think Columbus audiences will love it.