SUMMER FUN FOR KIDS AND ADULTS
SUMMER FUN FOR KIDS AND ADULTS
By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF
Arts Editor
Two shows this weekend promise to be delightful summer fun. The Woodlawn Theater is opening "Shrek The Musical" and the Magik is continuing its run of "Junie B. Jones," also a musical. Both shows are based on books and in the case of "Junie B," a series of books by Barbara Park. "Shrek The Musical" was inspired by William Steig's picture book by the same name, as well as the "Shrek" animated films.
Those who saw the movies will probably enjoy the live production even more. With songs by the talented Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay Abaire, the musical received eight Tony nominations and 12 Drama Desk nominations when it opened on Broadway. The story is a fairy tale to end all fairy tales. It revolves around the title character who is a big, unattractive ogre, living a lonely life in a swamp, until a whole bunch of fairy tale characters invade his domain. That includes Pinocchio, the Big Bad Wolf, the Three Little Pigs, Peter Pan, Snow White, etc. Annoyed by the invasion, Shrek sets out to see Lord Farquaad, the evil ruler who forced the fairy tale denizens into exile. There are challenges along the way but the journey changes his life in the best way. The musical has been praised for its humor, music and eye-catching, complicated costumes.
The Woodlawn production is directed by Mark McCarver and choreographed by Alonzo Corona, with music direction by Darrin Newhardt. Joshua Goldberg will portray the title character; Morgan Clyde will appear as his love, Princess Fiona, and Alejandro Pesina will play Shrek's unlikely companion Donkey. (odlawntheatre.org)
Over at the Magik, Junie B. Jones is facing a very different journey. She is a new first-grader who finds herself surrounded by new people and circumstances. Then she discovers in class that her vision has suddenly become blurry and she may need glasses. There is lot of song and dance here as well, in addition to a few lessons for the youngsters. Gazelle Garcia plays the young heroine. The show is choreographed and directed by Heather Currie with music direction by the obviously busy Darrin Newhardt. A sensory-friendly performance is scheduled for July 1. This type of theatrical performance is "slightly adjusted" for people on the autism spectrum, those with cognitive disabilities or anyone who may prefer a lower-key presentation, including very young kids. (For tickets and times go to www.magiktheatre.org)
And here is something for adults only: Friday, June 30, Urban -15 will host an exhibit and public "input session" about the artwork being created by artists David Blancas and Oscar Alvarado for the Highway 90 underpass at S. Presa and Roosevelt. The project is sponsored by the city's public art program and the World Heritage Commission, and is expected to be completed in a few months. The public is invited to meet Blancas and share stories and memories about the neighborhood which may be incorporated into the final work. An interesting idea! For more information call 210-736-1500 or email events@urban15.org
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