Growing Stage to Present SHREK, 9/27-10/27

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.

SHREK THE MUSICAL, is the hilarious story of everyone's favorite ogre come to dazzling new life on our stage! Featuring those cheeky characters from the faraway kingdom: the feisty Fiona, a donkey who talks a mile a minute, a cookie with attitude and, of course, our big green hero, SHREK THE MUSICAL is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all fun for everyone!

SHREK THE MUSICAL features the talents of eight professional equity performers in the cast. Tommy J. Dose of Long Island City, NY makes his Growing Stage debut in the title role of Shrek. Emily Cara Portune of Jersey City, who recently played the role of Pinkalicious, returns to our stage as Princess Fiona; Brandon Lavon Hightower of Jersey City and Jason Scott Quinn of Madison portray Donkey and Lord Farquaad. Also in the cast are Becky Nitka of Long Valley as Pinocchio & Gingy, Lori B. Lawrence of Hackettstown as the Wicked Witch & Shrek's Mother, Peter Quentin Smith of Stanhope as Captain of the Guards & Shrek's Father and Ann-Marie Sepe of Newton as Dragon-ette & Blind Mouse. In total, there's a cast of 28 professional and local artists performing in this production.

Enhance your SHREK THE MUSICAL experience with Pre and Post-Show activities. Join us on Fridays October 4th, 18th and 25th for post-show talkback sessions. Plus, on Saturday, October 26th at 2:45 PM, take part in a dance workshop led by choreographer Jillian Petrie. An additional fee and reservations are required for the dance workshop. The Growing Stage continues FUN-tastic Fridays with all tickets $15! Saturday and Sunday tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children and seniors. To place your reservation, please contact the Growing Stage Box Office at (973) 347-4946 or e-mail at boxoffice@growingstage.com Group rates and Birthday Party packages are available.