Tuning up for Shrek' musical

Music director details his job for this revised and more intimate adaptation

- GLENN SUMI

Former Toronto resident Harrison Roth is the musical director for "Shrek - the Musical," coming to Mirvish next month.

Just a few years ago, Harrison Roth was a music student at the Etobicoke School of the Arts, eagerly attending shows at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

Now he's going to be on that very stage for "Shrek - the Musical" as the music director of the show's national tour.

"Music director" is a title that audiences often see in the program.

But what does it mean? "My main job on this show is playing the keyboard and conducting" said the clean-cut, affable 22-yearold, on a Zoom call a few weeks before the non-Equity tour hits Toronto.

"It's what I do day in and day out.

While we're on the road, I'm in charge of maintaining the standard of music that we set when we finished rehearsals - without any deviations. And beyond that, I'm here to help take care of the musicians and actors, especially if they need anything musically." Roth, who was born in North York and is now based in New York City, grew up watching the "Shrek" films.