Latest news with #ShrekTheMusical
Chicago Tribune
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: Gail Borden, Fox River library districts receive state grants; ECC awarded $295,000 grant to expand EV technician training
The Illinois Secretary of State's office has awarded in $221,112 grant money to the Gail Borden Public Library District in Elgin and $105,506 to the Fox River Valley Library District in East Dundee. Both per-capita grants are based on population and part of nearly $20 million in funding provided to library districts across the state, according to a news release. 'These funds are not designated to a specific project, but are helpful in enabling us to continue to provide the community with literacy resources, Internet access and many of our services and programs,' Gail Borden spokeswoman Natalie Kiburg said. 'We are so appreciative of this funding as it is essential to our community's vital resources.' News of the state's grants comes amid federal cuts to library budgets nationwide. In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to eliminate and defund the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which issues $180 million annually to libraries nationwide. Illinois receives nearly $6 million annually, the sixth highest amount of any state, according to the release. Elgin Community College's Sustainability, Business and Career Technology division has been awarded a $295,794 RevUp EV Community College Initiative Grant. The money will be used to expand existing programs and develop new coursework to support technician training in electric vehicle systems, including components of EV advanced manufacturing, according to a news release. 'This grant will help Elgin Community College stay ahead of the curve as the electric vehicle industry continues to grow,' ECC President Peggy Heinrich said in the release. The initiative is part of a statewide effort to accelerate the development of EV infrastructure and workforce capacity in Illinois. It is administered by the Illinois Community College Board and funded by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Elgin Community College Musical Theatre production's of 'Shrek The Musical' will be staged the weekends of July 25-28 and Aug. 1-3 at the school's Second Space Theatre in the ECC Arts Center. The Tony Award-winning musical is based on the 2001 animated Dreamworks movie. ECC's production is directed by Cale Haupert with musical directors Marc Beth and Douglas Orlyk, according to a news release. 'At the heart of 'Shrek The Musical' is a truly beautiful love story,' Haupert said in the release. 'Shrek thinks there is no one in the world who would care for him, but he slowly discovers that he can find true friendship and more when he is brave enough to show the world his true self.' Show times are 7:30 p.m. July 25 and Aug. 1; 7:30 p.m. July 26 and Aug. 2; and 3 p.m. July 27 and Aug. 3. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and free for ECC students. Elgin Township Senior Access Passes cannot be used to obtain tickets. For purchase tickets, go online at call 847-622-0300 or go to the Arts Center box office.
GMA Network
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
'Shrek the Musical' to bring all-Filipino star power to the stage
The swamp is coming to life—louder, greener, and proudly Filipino. This Halloween, the iconic green ogre and his motley crew of fairy-tale misfits will hit the Philippine stage as "Shrek The Musical" premieres at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on October 31, powered by an all-Filipino lead cast. Presented by Newport World Resorts, this ogre-sized production promises not just dazzling performances and spectacular sets, but also a celebration of Filipino theatrical talent. Jamie Wilson as Shrek Leading the charge—or rather, stomping through the swamp—is seasoned theater veteran Jamie Wilson as Shrek. With a career spanning over four decades, Wilson is no stranger to commanding the stage. His past performances in "Matilda The Musical" (for which he won a Broadway World Asia Award) and "Run For Your Wife" (Aliw Award, Best Actor) have made him a staple in the local theater scene. Wilson is also known for his directorial chops in major concerts like "Ely Buendia: A Night at the Theater." Krystal Kane as Princess Fiona Opposite Wilson is Krystal Kane as Princess Fiona—spirited, sassy, and full of surprises. Kane, who began acting at the age of nine in classics like "Aspects of Love" and "The Sound of Music," studied musical theater in New York before returning to Manila to wow audiences in productions such as "Spring Awakening"and "Tabing Ilog: The Musical." After a brief hiatus to explore the world behind the lens as a photographer and stylist, Kane made a triumphant return in "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" and will also star in "Side Show." Topper Fabregas as Donkey Bringing the laughs and likely stealing scenes—is Topper Fabregas as Donkey. As a founding member of Red Turnip Theater, Fabregas has proven time and again that he can shift from laugh-out-loud comedy to raw emotional depth. His acting credits include "Come From Away," "Angels in America," and "Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical," while his award-winning performance in "Sila-Sila" on film has shown just how versatile he truly is. Alfredo Reyes as Lord Farquaad Rounding out the main cast is Alfredo 'Bibo' Reyes as the vertically-challenged villain Lord Farquaad. Known for his performances in "In the Heights," "Waitress," and "The Band's Visit" with Atlantis Theatrical, and as Young Hector in "Ang Huling El Bimbo," Reyes has built a solid reputation onstage and across Asia with touring hits like "Saturday Night Fever" and "Avenue Q." Trained at the prestigious Atlantic Acting School in New York (recipient of the Practical Aesthetics Full Scholarship), Reyes promises to make Farquaad as delightfully devious as ever. Originally hitting Broadway in 2008, the musical—featuring music by Jeanine Tesori and a book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire—earned eight Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, and won Best Costume Design of a Musical. The Philippine staging is produced under license from Music Theatre International (MTI), with full performance materials provided by the same. "Shrek The Musical" opens October 31 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport World Resorts, Pasay City. Tickets are now available via TicketWorld, Newport World Resorts Box Office, and HelixPay. Prices are as follows: SVIP: PHP 4,500 VIP: PHP 4,000 Gold: PHP 3,000 Silver: PHP 2,000 Bronze: PHP 1,500 —CDC, GMA Integrated News
Scoop
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Circa Theatre Presents 'All The Things I Wish I Could Be' These July School Holidays
Get ready for lift-off, laughs, and loud singalongs! This July, tamariki and their grown-ups are invited on a wild, musical ride with two lovable dads—Jeff and Tom—as they explore all the things they've ever dreamed of being. From All Blacks to ballerinas, monkeys to monsters, All The Things I Wish I Could Be is a joyful, high-energy celebration of imagination, friendship, and the freedom to be whoever (or whatever!) we want. This brand-new Aotearoa-made adventure stars local legends Tom Knowles (Shrek in Shrek The Musical, Capital E national tours, Global Children's Entertainment Awards winner) and Jed Parsons aka Jeff Parsnips (award-winning indie singer-songwriter and rising star of the Kiwi kids music scene). Packed with hilarious characters, playful chaos, and a full set of catchy original tunes performed live, this 'very Kiwi' comedy is perfect for tamariki ages 3+—and guaranteed fun for the grown-ups who bring them. Sing, dance, and roar along as Jeff and Tom bumble their way through time, space, and endless possibilities. Where will they land next? The moon? A jungle? A rugby field? You'll have to come and find out… SHOW DETAILS Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011 Tuesday 1 July – Saturday 12 July 2025 10.00am & 11.30am daily Special Sunday Shows: 6 July at 1.30pm & 3.00pm Run time: 50 minutes Tickets: $20 per person/ $70 Family Pass (4 tickets) TICKETS: EXTRA SPECIAL PERFORMANCES Thursday 10 July – 10:00am: Jams & Prams Perfect for babies, toddlers, and their grown-ups—this relaxed kids concert version has a pram park and extra space for wrigglers. Thursday 10 July – 11:30am: Unplugged A Relaxed Performance for anyone who might benefit from a gentler theatre experience—modified lighting, sound, and a welcoming vibe for all. Come find out what YOU could be! All The Things I Wish I Could Be is a high-energy, big-hearted show that proves there's no limit to who—or how silly—you can be.
