When she was a little girl, Sandra DeNise couldn’t sit still.
As she grew into teendom, the music of Gloria Estefan, Madonna and Michael Jackson appealed to her wiggling instincts, as did the visuals of Gene Kelley’s fleet-footed feats.
But as much as she loved those musical inspirations, they couldn’t compare to her enthrallment with “The Carol Burnett Show” and, when she was 4, seeing a production of “Annie” at The Atlanta Civic Center.
“We were in the very, very back row, but it was just so exciting. I think I got hooked on theater then. I loved to perform and dance around the living room in my bathing suit and bobby socks,” DeNise, 34, said.
Currently starring as the Sugar Plum Fairy in the touring version of “Shrek: The Musical,” DeNise, who grew up in Decatur, graduated from Paideia School and still has family in Atlanta, has definitely advanced past the living room.
Before her “Shrek” role, she toured nationally with “Jersey Boys,” “Hairspray,” “Saturday Night Fever” and “Rent,” and also made appearances on “ER,” “That ‘70s Show” and “Gilmore Girls.”
Since July, she’s inhabited the layered garb of the Sugar Plum Fairy, while also working as the understudy for Princess Fiona.
The tour, which will end July 31, heads to Florida after its five-day run at the Fox Theatre.
Last week, an effusive DeNise called from a tour stop in Cincinnati to talk “Shrek.”
Q. You’re playing the Sugar Plum Fairy, but you’re also the understudy for Princess Fiona. Have you had much opportunity to play her?
A. There are two understudies and they’re pretty even about switching it up between us. I’ve had some good opportunities to go on. The first couple of times, you’re terrified, but it’s like ripping a Band-Aid off.
Q. What’s your shining moment as the Sugar Plum Fairy?
A. I have a big song in the second act, when Pinocchio starts talking about why can’t I be a real boy? The theme of the show is about being a freak, being an outcast, and Aymee Garcia, who plays Mama Bear, and I sing about letting your freak flag fly.
Q. These songs are a little different than what you had in “Rent” and “Jersey Boys.”
A. The thing that’s good is they’re a mix of pop and Broadway musical theater, where a lot of the shows I’ve done have been pure pop. It’s a nice blend, what [music director] Jeanine [Tesori] has created for us, and the music goes wonderfully with the story.
Q. Has it been easier or more difficult to adapt to a kid-friendly production?
A. It’s so cool at the matinees when you can hear kids out there, and sometimes a kid will shout out something to the stage. It’s a much more fantastical world to create.
Q. Do you have any big plans for the week you’re in town?
A. Oh my God, yes! I haven’t been home for about a year and I’m so excited. I’m very close with my family. Since my mom passed about four years ago, we’ve been super-tight. I think my dad is going to take some time off work so we can hang out and I’m hoping to take a show buddy to Stone Mountain. I’m sure there will be an Athens Pizza at some point and I keep hearing about The Flying Biscuit, so I might have to check that out.
Q. If you could have your pick of any show on Broadway to be in, what would be your choice?
A. Well, I haven’t seen it yet and I don’t know if it’s going to fare well, but ‘Catch Me If You Can.’ [The creative team] are the same people from ‘Hairspray,’ which was the most wonderfully creative and awesome environment to be in. If the sign-up sheet is going around, put my name down.
Theater preview
“Shrek: The Musical”
8 p.m. April 26-29; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. April 30. $18-$55. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
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