‘Shrek, the Musical’ opens Oct. 25 at Cutting Hall
ArtReach Educational Theatre in partnership with Spotlite Theatrix Production Company is staging “Shrek, the Musical.” Book by David Lindsay-Abaire, based on the DreamWorks Animation feature and book by William Steig, with lyrics by Jeanine Tesori.
“Shrek, the Musical” will be presented 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, Saturday, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Cutting Hall Theatre, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. For tickets, call (847) 202-5222 or visit the Cutting Hall website at www.cuttinghall.org.
Tickets are $20 at the door and $18 in advance for adults; $18 at the door, and $16 in advance for children, students, and seniors. Reservations are recommended. Group discounts are available by calling (630) 808-5852.
“Shrek, the Musical” based on the Oscar winning DreamWorks film that started it all, brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre to new life on the stage.
In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre — not a handsome prince — shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won’t shut up, a bad guy with a “short” temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand, and his name is Shrek.
Full of all-new songs, dancing and scenery, it is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone.
The production is being directed by Dan Walsh (of Chicago) with choreography by Dan Walsh, Jonah Parra (of Palatine), Jackie Podgorny (of Inverness), Jamie Podgorny (of Inverness), and Breton Spiller (of Mount Prospect). Musical direction by Jessica Harrigan Texidor (of Chicago).
Principal cast members include Leopold Shircel (of Chicago) as Shrek, Lisa Brueck (of Montgomery) as Fiona, Dan Walsh (of Chicago) as Donkey, Jonah Parra (of Chicago) as Farquard, Jamie Podgorny (of Inverness), Jackie Podgorny (of Inverness) and Madalyn Griseto (of Elk Grove Village) as The Dragon, Kevin Foss (of Palatine) as Pinocchio, Sophie Kaegi (as Gingy), Isabel Kaegi (of Palatine) as Little Fiona, and Cassidy Murphy (of Schaumburg) as Teen Fiona.
The mission of ArtReach Educational Theatre is to expose children to all aspects of theater, music and dance. ArtReach accepts any child with a genuine interest in the arts from age 5 through high school. Beginner to Advanced performing levels are open. All children are challenged and encouraged. They offer private voice lessons, dance and acting classes, advanced musical theater workshops and Summer Arts Camp programs in Palatine.
For information about ArtReach programs taught by professional actors and teachers, call (847) 372-7798 or visit www.artreachspotlite.com.
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