Broadway Veterans to Lead Pittsburgh CLO's SHREK

Get ready for an "ogre-the-top" production at the Benedum Center July 15-24! This smash-hit musical comedy will come to life with a cast of Broadway's best and Pittsburgh CLO veterans, including Finding Neverland's Rory Donovan as Shrek and Broadway's Haven Burton as Princess Fiona.

"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 and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, 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. Based on the Oscar-winning Dreamworks Animation film, SHREK THE MUSICAL is the Tony Award-winner which brings all the beloved characters you know to life on stage and shows there's more to the story than meets the ears. Featuring instant classics: "Big, Bright, Beautiful World," "I'm a Believer" and more, it's sure to delight audiences of all ages!

ABOUT THE CAST
Rory Donovan (Shrek) is making his Pittsburgh CLO debut. Broadway: Finding Neverland (Mr. Turpin/Captain Hook) Elf ("Buddy" Standby). National Tour: Young Frankenstein ("The Monster"). Regional: Finding Neverland (A.R.T.) The Who's Tommy (Berkshire Theatre Festival). University of the Arts Graduate.

Haven Burton (Fiona) counts several Broadway productions among her many credits: Kinky Boots, Violet (Violet standby), Shrek The Musical (Gingy, Fiona u/s), Legally Blonde (Margot, Elle u/s), Rent (Maureen). National Tours/ concerts: Shrek the Musical (Princess Fiona), Rent (Maureen), Carnegie Hall's 'Take the Stage,' Symphony POPs in Santa Rosa.

Benjamin Howes (Farquaad) was recently seen as Welch in Pittsburgh CLO's Damn Yankees and Professor Higgins in Pittsburgh Public's production of My Fair Lady. Originally from Australia, Howes has performed on Broadway (Scandalous, Mary Poppins & [title of show]), Off-Broadway and in National Tours (Mary Poppins, Shrek). Regional credits include A.R.T., The Old Globe, Pittsburgh Public and Asolo Rep, among many others. Film: Miles, Easter Mysteries. Television credits: Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Flight of the Conchords, One Life to Live.

Andre Jordan (Donkey) revisits the role of Donkey after playing the part on the national tour. Other touring credits include: Joseph...Dreamcoat (Zebulun), Legally Blonde (Carlos), and Mad LIVE UK! (Swing). Regional: Ain't Misbahavin (Phoenix Theatre), Joseph...Dreamcoat (Ogunquit Playhouse), and Elton John's Aida (Media Theatre).

Lilly Kwiecinski (Young Shrek) is making her Pittsburgh CLO debut. She's an upcoming 4th grader at The Campus School of Carlow University and a third year CLO Academy student where she studies musical theater, dance and piano.

Lexi Patterson (Young Fiona) makes her debut at the Benedum Center. A 5th grader at Mary Queen of Apostles School, she's in her first year at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy. She's performed with the Gemini Theater (Gift of the Ice Queen) and MQA (Peter Pan Jr., Alice in Wonderland).

Lucia Williams (Teen Fiona) most recently appeared as Baby June in Pittsburgh CLO's Gypsy. She attends the CLO Academy and is a CLO Mini Star. Williams is entering 9th Grade at Oakland Catholic High School.

Dallas Padoven (Pinocchio) returns to Pittsburgh CLO after performing in Singin' in the Rain, Legally Blonde, Footloose, Gypsy, and The Wedding Singer! NYC: Wonderful Town. Regional: Hands on a Hardbody (Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati), Cinci King (Playhouse in the Park), The Who's Tommy, South Pacific (WVPT). He is a graduate of CCM and member of AEA.

SHREK THE MUSICAL is complete with a talented ensemble including Christopher Campbell, Ryan Cavanaugh, Mike Greer, Myha'la Herrold, Justin Lonesome, Evan Ruggiero, JJ Niemann, Taylor Warren, Ixchel Cuellar, Carina-Kay Louchiey, Stephanie Maloney, Mara Newberry, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe and Kate Margalite.

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