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Main Street Theatre takes a visit to swap with family-friendly ‘Shrek’

By Melissa Gibson 3 min read
article image - Courtesy of Main Street Theatre Company
Daniel LaMond of Pittsburgh will take on the title role in “Shrek the Musical,” presented this weekend at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown.

A grumpy ogre, a hyper donkey and a beautiful, cursed princess will find their way to the stage this weekend at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown.

On July 11-13, actors from the Main Street Theatre Company will present “Shrek the Musical.”

“We always try to include a production in the summer that is family friendly and even one the entire family can participate in,” said John Wagner, artistic director of the Main Street Theatre Company. “We have pairs of siblings and even a grandfather, father and son participating. Our youngest actor is 8 years old, and (this play) is something all ages can get excited about.”

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, “Shrek the Musical” features all new songs and the beloved characters from classic tales, including Little Red Riding Hood, the Three Little Pigs, and Pinocchio.

There are about 60 performers in this cast, and Wagner said the musical adaptation is very similar to the film version.

Seasoned performers Daniel LaMond and Allante Walker will join the cast for the first time as Shrek and Donkey.

Other lead characters will be performed by Bre Deutsch (Princess Fiona), Mairead Roddy (Dragon) and Adam Drabish (Lord Farquaad).

“We saw more people than we’ve ever had auditioning for this performance. I think for a lot of people, it’s a bucket list role for them, and this is the opportunity to do it,” Wagner said.

The show also has been a great partnership with others in the community.

“Since we’ve never produced ‘Shrek,’ we’re doing a mixture of renting some pieces and building some here. We’ve been lucky to have great connections with local high schools in the area who have done the show, and we’ve been able to borrow a few things from them as well,” Wagner said.

The 7 p.m. performance on July 12 will include an American Sign Language interpreter for the audience, sponsored by Henry and Stewart Audiology. The company first offered the service last year during the performance of “The Little Mermaid.”

The interpreter will be located on the left side of the theatre. Seats are held in this section and patrons can call 724-439-1360 to request tickets.

Wagner said it’s important to the Main Street Theatre Company cast and crew to offer a memorable and uplifting performance.

“Beyond this being a family-friendly production, it also has a great message. We look at what beauty really is and how we shouldn’t judge people by how they look on the outside but who they are on the inside,” Wagner said.

Tickets for all shows are $20 for adults and $15 for children under 12. Showings will be at 7 p.m. on July 11-12, with a 2 p.m. matinee on July 13.

Learn more about the performance or purchase tickets at https://www.mstcuniontown.org/project/shrek-the-musical/#.

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