Fairy Tale Characters Come to Life at Yorktown Stage

Thirteen iconic fairy tale characters will come to life at the Yorktown Stage over the weekend for the last three performances of "Shrek The Musical."

Director Augie Abatecola said his challenge was adapting the film version of Shrek into a musical format on stage. For example, he will create a constantly changing forrest by having crew members move around pieces of scenery on stage. 

All 13 fairy tale characters also come out on stage to create a spoof on what people believe them to be. 

"The comedy is in that they are not what we expect them to be," Abatecola said.

The show can be enjoyed by young children and adults. The response from the audience has already been "amazing" as people leave the theatre humming the music they heard on "Shrek The Musical," Abatecola said.  

"The young kids will love the show because they see all of their favorite fairy tale characters," Abatecola said. "Adults will enjoy it because each of these fairy tale characters has their own quirks."

One thing audience members might be surprised about, Abatecola said, is the music and that it's not just a children's show. The musical features a 12-piece orchestra, many of whose members have played on Broadway. The tunes you can expect to hear are upbeat along with some lavish ballads. 

"We know this is going to be a fun show," Abatecola said. 

"Shrek The Musical" cast members are:

• Shrek – Joey Sanzaro, of Pleasantville
• Fiona – Laura Donnelly, of NYC
• Donkey –Todd Ritch, of NYC
• Farquaad – Trevor Sideris, of Poughquaq
• Papa Ogre - Richie Barrella, of NYC
• Teen Fiona – Jessica Bulzacchelli, of Carmel
• Wicked Witch – Melanie Burg, of Hartsdale
• Knight – Brian Conklin, of Tappan
• Pinocchio – David Cronin, of NYC
• Peter Pan – Beau Cybulski, of NYC
• Knight – Neil Dingow, of NYC
• Young Fiona – Zoe Eliades, of Katonah
• Knight – Johnny Haussener, of NYC
• Knight – John Hollingworth, of NYC
• Wolf – Tim Houston, of NYC
• Humpty Dumpty – Erin Kei, of NYC
• Sugar Plum Fairy – Lauren Lucksavage, of Armonk
• Baby Bear – Ariana Morales, of Yorktown
• White Rabbit – Micah Nameroff, of NYC
• Dragon – Triona O'Callaghan, of Yonkers
• Fairy Godmother – Lizzie Porcari, of NYC
• Ugly Duckling – Danielle Ricciardi, of White Plains