The Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning musical is part romance and part twisted fairy tale. As Shrek's fans know, the story is about 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 villain 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.
The role of everyone's favorite swamp-dwelling ogre Shrek is played by Eric Petersen, who joins the musical's first national tour from the Broadway production. He recently appeared as the socially challenged Barfee in the National tour of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The Chicago production of Shrek is a homecoming for Petersen who grew up in Carol Stream, where he attended Western Trails Elementary, Stratford Junior High and Glenbard North High School. He attended Bradley University in Peoria, where he received a BS in Theatre Performance.
Haven Burton, also from the Broadway Company plays the feisty Princess Fiona. Haven previously played Margo the Dog Whisperer on Broadway in Legally Blonde and understudied Elle Woods. Alan Mingo, Jr. is Shrek's lovably annoying best friend Donkey. He was an original company member of The Little Mermaid where he played the role of Sebastian, and prior to that played the role of Tom Collins in RENT on Broadway. Todd Buonopane plays the vertically challenged villain Lord Farquaad. He performed on Broadway as Roger in Grease! and was a member of the original Broadway Company of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Rounding out the cast of oddball characters, the peoples of Duloc and Far, Far Away are: Joe Abraham, Kevin Boseman, Holly Ann Butler, Carrie Compere, Emily Cramer, Tyrone Davis, Jr., Sandra DeNise, Scarlett Diaz, David Foley, Aymee Garcia, Brian Gonzales, Justin Greer, Lisa Ho, Benjamin Howes, Madison Mullahey, Mara Newbery, Denny Paschall, Sarah Peak, Keven Quillon, Morgan Rose, Blakely Slaybaugh and David F.M. Vaughn.
Shrek-The Musical runs through September 5 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago. Individual tickets are $25 to $90. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St. and 18 W. Monroe St.); the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000; all Ticketmaster retail locations (including Hot Tix and select Carson Pirie Scott, Coconuts and fye stores); and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Groups of 10 or more should call (312) 977-1710.
For more information, visit www.ShrekTheMusical.com or www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Join the award-winning Shrekster.com, the Official Fan community of Shrek The Musical delivering news, media and exclusive contests to fans of the Shrek Series and Shrek the Musical.
Log in and join the Chicago group for access to the most up to date news, information and member's only exclusive content form Shrek and Donkey's first "whirlwind, big city adventure" across the country: www.shrekster.com/chicago.
SHREK AROUND TOWN
SHREK AT MACY'S on State Street
Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25: Direct from the upcoming Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2010, look up to see the 44-foot tall inflated Shrek Balloon in the North Well Atrium on the 1st floor.
Seven on State, opens early at 10 am on Sunday. Special kids' menu items include a cheese quesadilla from Frontera Fresco; Marc Burger sliders and the mini "Shrek" Custard Shake; and Asian chicken tenders from Noodles by Takashi. All kids' menu items come with a signature Star cookie and a fountain drink for $5
Saturday, July 31 from 1 to 3 pm: Shrek Family Fun Day on the 5th Floor Kids Dept. Get a snapshot or say hello with cast members from the show and enter to win a pair of tickets to Shrek-The Musical. Sample tasty treats and refreshments inspired by Shrek plus enjoy face painting, balloon artistry, craft-making activities and more excitement with Brookfield Zoo! Don't miss the window displays of authentic costumes from the stage.
THE 900 SHOPS
Thursday, July 29 from 11 a.m. until 12 noon: Party with the Princess when the magical Princess Fiona, Sugar Plum Fairy and Gingy visit the Fifth Floor of The 900 Shops, located at 900 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago for photos and fun. Children will pose on the "red carpet" for a complimentary individual photo with the Shrek characters.
Frankie's 5th Floor Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria will offer a special $5 menu (for ages 12 and under), featuring a choice of Ziti Marinara, Buttered Noodles, Chicken Fingers or Cheese Pizza; Beverage; and Gingerbread Cookie, in honor of Gingy. The regular menu also will offer a Baked Gingerbread Cookie A La Mode.
Shoppers will also receive a special $10 rate for five hour parking.
For more information, visit www.shop900.com
