Annie Martello plays role in PLT production of "Shrek The Musical"

2014 Jul 3

The Philip Lynch Theatre stage is getting a green swamp makeover this summer with "Shrek The Musical." The show was created by Jeanine Tesori (music) and David Lindsay-Abaire (book and lyrics) and based on the award-winning DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the children's book by William Steig. The show revolves around everyone's favorite ogre and a cast of colorful fairy tale creatures searching for love and acceptance.

The charming and bright modern musical fairy tale will run July 18-20 and July 24-27. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees begin at 2:30 p.m. In addition, there is 4 p.m. matinee on Saturday July 26. Tickets can be purchased through the Philip Lynch Theatre box office from the hours of 1-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Patrons may reserve tickets over the phone by calling (815) 836-5500.

The plot follows the story of an unseemly green ogre named Shrek (Chad Tallon of Essex) who is on a quest to get his swamp back by saving the feisty Princess Fiona (Jordan Nazos of Bolingbrook) from a fire-breathing dragon. With the help of a Donkey (Michael Carioto of Worth) who won't shut up and some support from some unlikely fairy tale creatures, Shrek is sure to save the day and warm your heart.

Theatre Manager Jo Slowik of Joliet is directing "Shrek" with a talented cast of 18 performers including: Sara Aldarondo, Faith Berry, Maryley Hennessy and Alexis Smith of Joliet, Justin Anderson of Orland Park, Jacari Campbell of Darien, Benjamin Dow, Emily Dow and Nathan Zurawski of Shorewood, Julia Egizio and Kyrie Richmond of Plainfield, Christopher Hueg of Roseville, MN, John Reidy of Orland Park, Alysa Sandoval and Tim Tholl of Lockport, Tyler Senjanin of Evergreen Park, Adam Jezl-Sikorski of Burbank, Aundrea Wells of Bolingbrook.

Working behind the scenes: Stephanie Daley of Lockport (choreography), Matt Colbert of Plainfield (vocal director), Andrew Nelsen of Joliet (scenic design), Celeste Mackey of Joliet (costume design), Jackie Sabani of Hanover Park, Stephanie Hill of Romeoville and Annie Martello of Morris (costume assistants), Jessie Richey of McHenry (lighting design), Rachel Tau of Wood Dale (make-up design), Emma McGee of Joliet (stage manager) and Sylmarie Soto of Joliet (properties), Kate O'Neil of Yorkville and Beth Sadler of Homer Glen (dragon and props fabrications), Jordin Richards of Tinley Park and Alex Smith of Westmont (sound engineers), Joe Grenchik of New Lenox and Jonathan Boehle of Cornell, IL (follow spot operators), Mary Bradley of Palos Heights (light board operator) and Dave Pomatto (assistant technical director).

Lewis University is a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,600 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The seventh largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.