Newtown Arts Company’s 2015 season continues with SHREK: THE MUSICAL, a Tony Award-winning fairy-tale adventure, August 6 to 12, at the historic Newtown Theatre. Irreverently fun for the whole family, “Shrek” brings to life all the beloved characters from the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film released in 2001.
SHREK: THE MUSICAL includes all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Caroline or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire, and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears.
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek…” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey (Justin Derry, of Langhorne) and a feisty princess named Fiona (Danielle Ziemba, of Langhorne) who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy (Farquaad: Brian Beloff, of Langhorne), a cookie with an attitude (Gingy: Lauren Donohoe, of Bensalem), 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 (Steven Vettori, of Bensalem).
SHREK was a story that both co-directors Morgaine Ford-Workman and Wren Workman, of Morrisville, both grew up enjoying, when the original animated film was released in 2001. When they came across the stage version as adults, it brought back memories of the loveable big green ogre that they grew up loving and quirky fairytale creatures that they could relate to.
“Many times our ideas of beauty and worth are driven by how we imagine life in a fairy-tale world where everyone and everything is perfect and magical,” said Morgaine Ford-Workman. “However Shrek turns those fantasies upside down and reminds us that love and life aren’t always perfect.”
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a kid or an adult, there is something for everyone in this show that you’ll relate to and enjoy,” added Wren Workman. “It really highlights accepting yourself for the amazing being you are, regardless of any flaws, real or imagined, you may have. Let your freak flag fly, and you’ll always be happy about who you are.”
SHREK: THE MUSICAL producers are Diana Bilyk and Maryellen Raymond (both of Newtown). Musical director is Susan den Outer (of Langhorne), and costumer is Ann Cole (of Newtown).
The production also features standout performances from Acacia Raffle (of Yardley), as Dragon, and Keith Grose (of Levittown), as Pinocchio. The show’s two dance captains, Mary Alice Rubins-Topoleski (of Trenton, NJ), as Fairy Godmother, and Cynthia Reynolds (of Bordentown, NJ), as Ugly Duckling, lead the cast in choreography created by co-director and choreographer Morgaine Ford-Workman.
Rounding out the ensemble are residents from Newtown and nearby areas – Holland, Hatboro, Levittown, Perkasie, Philadelphia, Trenton, NJ, and Bordentown, NJ. The Dragon puppet was created by Brian Beloff and Wren Workman.
Performances of SHREK: THE MUSICAL are one week only, August 6 to 12, at Newtown Theatre, 120 North State Street, Newtown, PA 18940: Thursday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. (No show Monday.)
Tickets for Reserved Front Orchestra and Front Row Balcony seats are $24; Reserved Rear Orchestra and Balcony seats are $21. Extended legroom seating is available in Row I for an additional accommodation fee. Groups of 10 or more qualify for a $2 discount.
Tickets are available by credit card by phone at 1-800-838-3006 or online at www.newtownartscompany.com (service fee applies). Tickets are also available at the Newtown Theatre Box Office beginning one hour before curtain on performance dates. For reservations or information call 215-860-7058 or email tickets@newtownarts company.com.
Shrek: The Musical is produced by special arrangement with MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (MTI) of New York NY.
Newtown Arts Company, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, has awarded over $118,000 in scholarships to local students pursuing higher education in the arts since it was formed in 1983.
Theater/Organization Newtown Arts Company
Theater/Organization Website: http://www.newtownartscompany.com
Theater/Organization Address: Newtown Theatre 120 N. State Street Newtown, Pennsylvania 18940 (Map It)
Theater/Organization Phone: (215) 860-7058
