William Steig News

The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey is proud to open its 2013 - 2014 season with the New Jersey Premiere of SHREK THE MUSICAL from September 27th through October 27th with performances Friday evenings at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM. Based on the Oscar winning DreamWorks Motion Animation Picture and book by William Steig, SHREK THE MUSICAL features music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. This production is under the direction of Stephen L. Fredericks, The Growing Stage's Executive Director with musical direction by Laura Petrie and Choreography by Jillian Petrie.

As one of the twenty largest professional regional theatres in the U.S., Children's Theatre Company is the national leader in creating work for young audiences, ages two through eighteen. The 2013-2014 Season will be among the most innovative with three world premieres, two extraordinary guest companies, a new preschool piece and a Broadway musical. The season will also include a beloved classic never before seen at CTC and a Philip Pullman masterpiece brought to the stage for the first time. The Wong Kids in The Secret of the Space Chupacabra Go! by Lloyd Suh is CTC's first ever sci-fi anime inspired production. This world premiere will be co-produced with the Ma- Yi Theater Company and run at CTC before playing in New York.

BPA "goes green" in October with the Tony Award-winning SHREK! Full of all-new songs, great dancing, spectacular costumes, and fairy tale misfits, SHREK, THE MUSICAL is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone! With SHREK, THE MUSICAL, Broadway gives us the back story for characters we thought we knew, such as Shrek, Princess Fiona, and even evil Lord Farquaad. The stage version has everything you liked about the movie plus more about the characters, all while keeping the irreverent humor that spices up the plot.

One of the most fun and entertaining aspects of the summer is the big, splashy musicals that get produced all over the nation. Last night, I was invited to attend the final dress rehearsal of Fort Bend Theatre's SHREK THE MUSICAL. The company is bidding a fond farewell to summer with a gargantuan production that is bond to entertain any who venture out to see it. This musical, featuring a Book and Lyrics by acclaimed playwright David Lindsay-Abaire and Music by Jeanine Tesori is based on the 2001 DreamWorks film SHREK and the 1991 William Steig book SHREK!. SHREK THE MUSICAL got mixed to positive reviews when it opened on Broadway at the Broadway Theatre. It earned eight 2009 Tony Award nominations and won for Best Costumes. All in all, the show enjoyed a successful 12-month run. After its Broadway run, the creative team has tinkered with the show for its notable First National Tour and London productions. The current licensed version most closely resembles the London production of the show.

Everyone's favorite upside-down fairytale comes to Walnut Creek when Diablo Theatre Company presents the Bay Area premiere of Shrek the Musical, a song-and dance-filled stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning DreamWorks animated film. Shrek the Musical opens September 6 and runs through September 28.

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."

Columbus Children's Theatre will present the musical Shrek The Musical, with Music by Jeanine Tesori, Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig September 19 - 29, 2013 at The Lincoln Theatre located at 769 East Long Street Columbus 43203. This production, directed by William Goldsmith with music direction by Jeff Hamm, is recommended for ages 5 and up.

Leave it to the ultra-talented, uber-enthusiastic folks at 3-D Theatricals to take an okay-ha-ha show into an OMFG-that-was-super-hella-funny triumph of whimsy and heart. In its glorious, colorful presentation of the first Southern California regional production of SHREK - THE MUSICAL, 3-D Theatricals---fast becoming Orange County's home for Broadway-caliber shows---certainly has plenty to celebrate in its latest offering. The family-friendly musical comedy continues its limited engagement at the Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton through August 4 then transfers north to the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center for a weekend of shows August 9-11.

Northglenn Arts & Humanities Foundation has announced its Fall 2013 auditions, performances and classes. Details below!

CST presents SHREK THE MUSICAL, based on the Dreamworks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig, book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire | music by Jeanine Tesori, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater, July 13-September 1, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look of highlights below!

CST presents SHREK THE MUSICAL, based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig, book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire | music by Jeanine Tesori, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater, July 13-September 1, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look below!

There are many challenges that face a theatre who chooses to mount such a difficult production. First and foremost are how to bring these iconic characters to life as realistically as possible, while still showcasing the actors underneath. Second is how to present the various locations presented in the piece (SHREK'S swamp, the castle in Duloc, Fiona's tower, etc) in a way that not only is appropriate, but can easily be changed to the next. The show has now made the jump to regional theatres around the country, and the Arundel Barn Playhouse is the first theatre in all of New England to present it. It's a lot to undertake, but the Playhouse rose to the occasion, and I think you will be quite surprised and delighted at the results.

A new product has arrived today that promises to reignite both children's and their loved ones' interest in reading. The Sparkup Magical Book Reader is an innovative device that merges the non-digital world of printed books with the benefits of today's technology.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts SummerStage presents Shrek the Musical today, July 13 at 2 and 6 p.m. at Showcase Live, Patriot Place in Foxboro. The full-length production is a stage musical adaptation of the 2001 Academy Award-winning, smash-hit animated movie. Based on the children's book by William Steig about a green ogre who saves a princess, the musical comedy spoofs fairy tale characters and themes and playfully pokes fun of pop culture. With sight gags, slapstick and tongue-in-cheek humor, Shrek offers nonstop family entertainment.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents Shrek The Musical, the Theater's annual summer family musical, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell with music direction by Michael Mahler, today, July 13-September 1, 2013 in CST's Courtyard Theater.

Kelrik Productions is pleased to announce the Central Coast Premier of SHREK THE MUSICAL to stage at the Spanos Theater, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo. From today, July 12 - 21, 2013 audiences can fall in love with Shrek and his wise-ass sidekick, Donkey all over again.

Kelrik Productions has announced the Central Coast Premier of SHREK THE MUSICAL to stage at the Spanos Theater, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo. From today, July 12 - 21, 2013 audiences can fall in love with Shrek and his wise-ass sidekick, Donkey all over again.

The wise-cracking ogre, and all his fractured fairy tale friends are coming to Bethlehem when Sing for America debuts the Lehigh Valley premiere of the Tony-winning 'Shrek The Musical' today, July 11-21 in the state-of-the-art new theater at Broughal Middle School.

Kelrik Productions is pleased to announce the Central Coast Premier of SHREK THE MUSICAL to stage at the Spanos Theater, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo. From July 12 - 21, 2013 audiences can fall in love with Shrek and his wise-ass sidekick, Donkey all over again.

Tickets are now on sale for the Alliance Theatre's 2013-14 Season.