Two Yorktown Girls to Perform in 'Shrek the Musical' at Tarrytown Music Hall

Two Yorktown girls, who have been active in theatre and have been in numerous performances, will be featured in the part romance, part twisted fairy tale – 'Shrek, The Musical' – starting Friday, July 26. 

Madison Battinelli, who is entering 6th grade at Mildred E. Strang Middle School, and Faith Pyle, who is entering 5th grade at Crompond School, play the roles of Lord Farquaad’s guard and Humpty Dumpty, respectively.

Madison, 11, and Faith, 10, are part of the The Random Farms Kids Theater, which is presenting the musical at The Tarrytown Music Hall, July 26 through Aug. 4.

"'Shrek, The Musical' brings the hilarious story of everyone's favorite ogre to dazzling new life on the stage," said Anya Wallach, artistic director at The Random Farms Kids Theater. "In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre — not a handsome prince — shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won't shut up, a bad guy with a short temper, over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero."

That hero – named Shrek – is the main character in the musical, which is part romance, part twisted fairy tale. 

The production is made up of 130 young people who are divided into four casts. They come from throughout the tri-state area and have a wealth of theater, film and television experience, Wallach said. 

The audition process was intense as the children were given specific songs and scenes to learn. A few days after the first audition, a list of call backs for specific roles was posted. Then, the children who are called back were asked to learn the song and scene for that specific role.

"Usually the kids only have a day to learn the material for the call back," said Kara Battinelli, Madison's mother. "The cast list is posted approximately a week later. Only a quarter of the kids who audition make it into the cast."

Despite it all, the whole experience for the two Yorktown girls has been quote enjoyable. 

"I really love meeting kids from all over and being part of a cast which is like a team," Madison said. "I love learning the songs and dances and best of all I love being on stage under the lights performing for an audience."

Madison has been doing theatre since she was 8. She has been in two other mainstage shows at Random Farms, Oliver (Workhorse Orpan) and Seussical (Wickersham) and five workshop shows. Most recently she played Tom in Tom Sawyer. 

Faith started acting when she was 7. She has been in three other mainstage shows at Random Farms, Cinderella (Mouse), Oliver (Workhouse Orphan) and Suessical (Cindy Lou Who). She also sings for the Magical Music for Life Foundation which performs in Times Square. 

"I love being friends with all of the kids in the cast and I love being on stage singing and acting," she said. 

The performances will be held on July 26 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; July 27 at 1 p.m.; July 28 at 1 p.m.; Aug. 2 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Aug. 3 at 1 p.m. and Aug. 4 at 1 p.m. 

Tickets for Shrek are $18 (adults), $16 (children under 12 and seniors), $14 (groups of 20+) and $10 (camps). Premium seating tickets (first four rows of center orchestra) are $23. To reserve tickets, go to www.tarrytownmusichall.org or call TicketForce at 877-840-0457. Tickets will also be available at the door. For more information, visit the theater’s website at www.randomfarms.com.

The Tarrytown Music Hall is located at 13 Main Street in Tarrytown.