Reston Players Present SHREK, Now thru 11/7

A talking donkey, a singing ogre, a feisty princess, a sassy cookie, tap dancing rats, and a striking band of misfit fairytale characters will be working their magic for children of all ages when Reston Community Players opens its 49th season with the Tony Award-winning fairytale adventure Shrek The Musical, tonight, October 16-November 17.

Sue Pinkman, who most recently directed 33 Variations at RCP and Hairspray (2011) at The Little Theatre of Alexandria, where she brought home WATCH awards for Outstanding Director and Outstanding Musical, takes the helm as director of RCP's Shrek. "The music and the humor written into the script is the biggest draw for me," said Pinkman. "It's very much a children's show, but with that slight nod to the adult audience. The music is delightful, and the authors/composers have paid tribute to many other famous musicals in very special ways throughout the production. There are a great many situations and laughs that will keep the parents just as entertained as the kids who attend."

Shrek The Musical features music by Jeanine Tesori (Violet, Fun Home) and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole, Good People). Notable songs include "Freak Flag," "Story of My Life," "I Know It's Today" and "Who I'd Be." Music director Elisa Rosman, who most recently music directed RCP's Sunset Boulevard, WSC Avante Bard's Visible Language, and NextStop's Into the Woods, said, "I just love how fun Shrek is and really what an uplifting story it is. It has lots of joy in it, and I think you feel that in the music."

Shrek The Musical, which received twelve Drama Desk Award nominations and eight Tony Award nominations, transports the audience to the kingdom of Duloc, where a green ogre named Shrek finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wise-cracking donkey, a feisty princess, a "short"-tempered villain, a cookie with attitude, and dozens of misfit fairytale characters who prove that "what makes us special makes us strong."

Paul Tonden, whose most recent roles include Max in RCP's Sunset Boulevard, Javert in Kensington Arts Theatre's Les Miserables, and Professor Callahan in McLean Community Players' Legally Blonde, takes on the title role of the big green ogre. "I am so excited and honored to play Shrek!" Tonden said. "I connect with Shrek in the same way I think a lot of people have over the years, in that he has body image issues and struggles with a feeling of being 'less than' because he doesn't look like the idealized version of what is 'beautiful' and has to learn that beauty comes from within. Also, we are both very gassy."

Jolene Vettese who was most recently seen in RCP's Next to Normal as Diana and in A Tribute to the Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein and Andrew Lloyd Webber, plays the feisty and perpetually waiting princess Fiona. "My favorite number in Shrek is 'I Think I Got You Beat' because who doesn't love to be able to fart and burp in rhythm?" Vettese said. "My favorite line is, 'Well maybe you shouldn't judge people before you get to know them,' because Fiona is saying she has learned her lesson: if you judge people (or ogres) before you know them, you may miss out on your best friend or even the love of your life."

RCP president and WATCH nominated director Joshua Redford, who most recently played Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard, plays the high energy, smooth talking Donkey. "Shrek is perfect family entertainment!" Redford said. "Unlike other shows which are targeted to younger audiences and might put Mom and Dad to sleep, Shrek appeals to the whole family. The kids will love seeing the characters that they know from the film on the stage, and the grownups will love the humorous dialogue, fabulous costumes, talented performers, and the high quality professional-like theater experience that they have come to expect from RCP."

Chuck Dluhy, who recently played the roles of Michael Novak in God of Carnage at the Little Theatre of Alexandria, Uncle Fester in The Addams Family at the Kensington Arts Theatre and Thenardier in RCP's Les Miserables, plays Lord Farquaad, the comically evil and vertically challenged villain of Shrek. "Shrek is very special because every actor/singer/dancer on stage gets his or her moment to shine," Dluhy said. "It is truly an ensemble show full of wonderful talent. I'm proud to be part of this outstanding company. Needless to say, with characters like ogres, a fire-breathing dragon, and every fairy tale character imaginable, there will be lots of magic on stage!"

Patrick Graham, who plays Pinocchio, was recently seen as blanket loving Linus in RCP's You're a Good Man Charlie Brown and Not Dead Fred, Brave Sir Robin's Minstrel and Prince Herbert in The Little Theatre of Alexandria's Spamalot. "Playing Pinocchio is a great fit because I used to lie a lot as a child (sorry Mom and Dad)," said Graham. "As Pinocchio, I get to play a character who is really in denial about who he is. It's such an important tale about accepting who you are, and surrounding yourself with friends who raise you up high!

Evie Korovesis, most recently seen as Julia in The Arlington Players' The Wedding Singer and Kira in RCP's Xanadu, plays multiple roles as Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy/Rat/Duloc Dancer and dance captain. "My tutu for Sugar Plum is bringing me back to my 10 years in The Nutcracker in my hometown in PA! I have missed wearing one!" Korovesis said. "Gingy is super outgoing, sassy, and sometimes completely out there. I think it's okay to say I am all of those things!"

Jennifer Lambert, who recently played Cinderella's Step Mother in NextStop's Into The Woods and Fantine in RCP's Les Miserables, plays Mama Ogre and the Dragon. "Shrek has elements of a classic musical, but with the cleverness and wit of a modern Dreamworks movie that can be enjoyed by people of all ages," Lambert said. "If you are a musical theatre buff, you will also get all the inside jokes, which just makes it even more enjoyable and comedic."

Shrek The Musical is produced by Laura Baughman and Mary Ann Hall and features direction by Sue Pinkman, musical direction by Elisa Rosman, and choreography by Ivan Davila. The cast includes Paul Tonden (Shrek), Jolene Vettese (Fiona), Joshua Redford (Donkey), Chuck Dluhy (Farquaad), Jennifer Lambert (Dragon), and Mhairi Cameron, Sean Cator, Gary DiNardo, Marissa Dolcich, Chris Dore, Richard Farella, Kieth Flores, Elizabeth Gillespie, Patrick Graham, Alexandra Guyker, Mark Hidalgo, Jasmine Jones, Evie Korovesis, Allie Lytle, Lindsey McClenathan, James McNamara, Allen McRae, Todd Meikle, Erik Peyton, Colleen Robinson, and Ella Schnoor.

Performances are Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24, and 30 and Nov. 6 and 7 at 8:00 p.m., with 2:00 p.m. matinees on Oct. 25 and 31 and Nov. 1 and 7. A special Halloween costume contest is planned for the Oct. 31 matinee. Cast member meet and greets will be held in the lobby on Oct. 25, Nov. 1, and Nov. 7.

Tickets can be purchased through www.restonplayers.org or by calling the CenterStage box office at 703-476-4500 x 3. All Reston Players mainstage productions are performed at CenterStage at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, Va. CenterStage is handicap accessible and offers listening devices for the hearing impaired.

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