STAGE TUBE: Behind-the-Scenes with SHREK THE MUSICAL on CBS Chicago

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents Shrek The Musical, the Theater's annual summer family musical, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell with music direction by Michael Mahler, July 13-September 1, 2013 in CST's Courtyard Theater. Based on the Academy Award-winning DreamWorks film and the book by William Steig, CST's 75-minute production of Shrek The Musical will take audiences on an unconventional fairy-tale adventure with everyone's favorite ogre. The production features two Jeff Award-winning actors: Michael Aaron Lindner as the lovable ogre Shrek and Summer Naomi Smart in her CST debut as the spunky Princess Fiona. In support of Mayor Emanuel's Summer of Learning Program, special activities will be offered in conjunction with Shrek The Musical for students to earn a "Bard Badge."

Check out the video of CBS Chicago Behind-the-Scenes with SHREK THE MUSICAL.

Shrek The Musical tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing quest to reclaim his home. Accompanied by a wisecracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon and rescues the cursed Princess Fiona. On this untraditional fairytale journey, Shrek discovers the value of friendship and realizes that true love is more than skin deep. The 75-minute, family-friendly version of the Tony Award-nominated production has music by Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Caroline, or Change), with book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole, Wonder of the World, Good People).

Michael Aaron Lindner returns to Chicago Shakespeare as ShrekJeff Award-winning actress Summer Naomi Smart makes her CST debut as Princess Fiona. James Earl Jones II makes his CST debut as the wisecracking sidekick Donkey. Travis Taylor returns to Chicago Shakespeare as Lord Farquaad

Actors making their Chicago Shakespeare debut include: Cameron Conforti as Young Shrek/Baby Bear, Adam Fane as Pinocchio/Ensemble, Caroline Heffernan as Young Fiona/Ugly Duckling, Emily Leahy as Young Fiona/Ugly Duckling, Sarah Page as Witch/Ensemble, Alexis J. Rogers as Mama Bear/Dragon, Joey Stone as Papa Bear/Papa Ogre and Matthew Uzarragaas Young Shrek/Baby Bear. Actors returning to Chicago Shakespeare include: Norm Boucheras Wolf/Thelonius/Dwarf, Tommy Lucas as Pig/Knight/Ensemble, Rebecca Pink as Gingy/Teen Fiona, Liam Quealy as Pig/Knight/Ensemble and Will Skrip as Pig/Knight/Ensemble.

The creative team for Shrek The Musical includes Music Director Michael Mahler, OrchestratorRyan Nelson, Scenic Designer Scott Davis, Lighting Designer Jesse Klug, Costume DesignerTheresa Ham, Projection Designer Mike Tutaj, Sound Designer Garth Helm, Wig and Make-up Designer Melissa Veal and Properties Master Chelsea Meyers.

Shrek The Musical is recommended for ages 5 and up and runs July 13-September 1, 2013.Tickets are $18-$25 with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40% parking discount at Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com/shrek.

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