PRINCESS FIONA’S OTHER OTHER SELF: MIKAYLA WILLIAMS

Mikayla Williams as Princess Fiona in production and in rehearsal.

Mikayla Williams is just slightly busy in the leadup to Opening Night for SHREK THE MUSICAL.  After we have a bit of chat about her role as Princess Fiona in the show about to open at Riverside Theatres, she’s flying off.  Literally.  The rigging is set and the harness in place so this better be quick … no pressure really as Mikayla is warm and friendly and loves sharing her joy in the character. 

There’s some really funny people attached to the project. Who’s the worst cut up in the rehearsal room? Is any one you try not to look at?

Everyone is pretty funny in their roles and the script is so clever, it makes it very hard not to break out of character. Luke Joslin is HILARIOUS as Lord Farquaad. He makes it very difficult to stay in character and not burst into laughter. His timing is incredible and it always feels fresh so he keeps me on my toes.
You have played lead roles before, Ariel and Glinda, what drew you to Princess Fiona?

Initially I didn't know too much about Shrek The Musical but as I did my research I came to discover how detailed Fiona is. She has been locked away from the world for years, with no one to interact with, so her social skills can be awkward or forced at times. Fiona has planned her entire future, who she will marry and become, when this doesn't go to plan it turns her world up side down because she has dreamt of it everyday for years. There is a beautiful journey of acceptance for Fiona and ultimately she wants to find love and be loved for being herself. Fiona comes to learn beauty is from within.

Also Fiona has some awesome musical numbers and she gets to Tap with Rats.
She's 23 and been locked away since she was 7, how did she keep her feistiness?

Fiona has been singing the same song everyday since she was 7 ("I Know It's Today'), dreaming of a Knight to come and rescue her, she is fed up and maybe a tad insane. She is not used to people telling her what to do because she has been alone for so long, it's a bit of a shock to her when Shrek says no because everything she knows about love is from story books she has read. Fiona is such a strong independent woman and she knows what she wants or at least she thinks she does, she won't let anyone stand in her way.
'Who I'd Be' to close Act 1 is a complicated song emotionally. Do you think Fiona and Shrek really begin coming to love each other at this point?

No, I don't think there are feelings for Shrek on Fiona's side yet. 'Who I'd Be' shows Fiona's pain and desperation for the life she dreams of. The life where she isn't an Ogre and she is finally happy. It hits hard for Fiona at this point because the rescue from Shrek and Donkey was nothing like she had imagined so she starts to doubt herself and the future she built in her head.
It's a really complicated set and props show. I imagine you don't have many costume changes but do you have anything luscious to wear? Can anything live up to Glinda's wardrobe, anyway?

Nothing as glittery or pink that's for sure haha.

My costumes are beautiful! Audrey Currie has done an amazing job. My green dress is beautifully detailed with beads and embroidery.

I do have some quick changes into Princess Fiona and Ogre Fiona. These are probably more intense than the quick changes for Glinda.
Princess Fiona is surrounded by male characters. She is such a role model for girls, what does she teach the blokes around her?

Essentially - Don't judge a book by it's cover. Fiona is such a strong woman and doesn't apologise for being herself.

Great advice and then … she flies away!

SHREK THE MUSICAL is a Packemin Production [Facebook] and is playing at Riverside Theatres until Feb 17th.

One comment

  1. Mikayla is a joy to work with on this production. She brings the right amount of innocence and sass to this role, which allows her character to command each situation. I love working with her because not only is she beautiful, the sister can sing! It is also very rare to find someone that not only has great comedic timing but understands how to slowly allow her character to transition through the various scenes. The last person I had the pleasure of working with, who also possessed this inner quality was Suzie Mathers, who played Galinda in Gordon Frost’s, Wicked the Musical. She has just recently finished her stint of the very same character in the West End in London. I have no doubt that Mikayla will be snapped up pretty quick by some big production fairly soon and why not, she’s earned it! Shrek is only on for a limited time so I would hurry up and book before it’s gone! xxx

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