99th Street Summer Theatre Presents "Shrek, the Musical!"

99th Street Summer Theatre presents, in its 35th Anniversary Season, Shrek, the Musical! on Thursday, July 25, Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 and $16 for senior citizens. Tickets are on sale now. For reservations call 773-881-6512.        

99th Street Summer Theatre was brought to life in 1978. Since its inception, the program has continually brought members of the community together in the production of exciting and captivating shows. Now in its 35th season, 99th Street Summer Theatre has produced more than 50 musicals, and has sent former members on to successful careers in theatre throughout Chicagoland and the country.

The Broadway hit Shrek, the Musical! will make its premiere on the south side of Chicago on Mother McAuley’s stage this summer. When Shrek and his companion, Donkey, set out to rescue the princess Fiona from a castle guarded by a fire-breathing and lonely dragon, they quickly find out the mission is not what they expected. Told through the eyes of a grumpy ogre in a magical land, Shrek, the Musical! brings an exciting new twist to the tale of true love.

Leading the talented cast is Patrick Mooney as Shrek. The veteran 99th Street performer will share the stage with Damaris King, who will play Donkey. Long-time 99th Street actress Erin Fitzpatrick will take on the role of Princess Fiona. Other cast members include Sarah Haskins as Queen Lillian; Dave Guido as King Harold; Andy Lambros as Lord Farquaad; Frankie Zabilka as Pinnochio; Kim Brines as Dragon; Alix Solis as Gingy; Jill Lekowas the Sugar Plum Fairy; Andrew Gardner, Trevor Krueger and Tom McNichols as the 3 Little Pigs; Rob Sorenson as the Big Bad Wolf; Eileen Casey as the Wicked Witch; Margaret Hayes as Mama Bear and Mama Ogre; Tony Levine as Papa Bear and Papa Ogre; Michaela Dillon as Baby Bear and Young Fiona; Amanda McGathey as Tinkerbell; Michaeeen Christakos as Peter Pan; Marybelle Mittenthal Santos as the Ugly Duckling; Aimee Jarzembowski as Humpty Dumpty; Colin Allpow as the White Rabbit; Sarah Callis as the Fairy Godmother; Rick Salazar as the Gnome; Jessica Pedroza as the Shoemaker’s Elf; Aramehr Mohseni as the Mad Hatter; Jeffrey Gougis as Tweedle Dee; Sasha Brenecki as Little Red; Melissa Heeres as the Queen of Hearts; Melissa Trentacoste as Snow White; Claire Cunningham as Stepsister; Katie Stadt as Mother Hubbard; Khari Riley as Puss n’ Boots; Ernest Crossley as Tweedle D Dum; John Bryar as Captain of the Guard; Kathleen Sullivan as Teen Fiona; Haley Gutritch as Bluebird; Michael Gutrich as the Pied Piper and Christina Miller, Nell Vandeveld and Stephanie Simon as the Three Blind Mice. The cast is rounded out by a gifted ensemble and seasoned group of tap dancers.

Shrek, the Musical! is under the direction of Patricia Haynes, 99th Street Summer Theatre Manager and Director. Musical Direction was done by Stacy Cunningham and Rose DeSanto; choreography by Michael Gutrich; Technical Direction by Tom Moster and Set Design by Katie McCasland.