CLO’s ‘Shrek The Musical’ at Benedum; ‘The Infiltrator’ in Local Movie Houses (Tues., 7/19/16)

Did someone call for an ogre? Our hero—shown here as played in an out-of-town production—answers the call in CLO’s “Shrek the Musical.” Shrek the Musical (photo of actor Lukas Poost in a North Shore Music Theatre production), by Paul Lyden.

1) The friendly green giant is back and he isn’t selling canned vegetables. He is the featured ogre in Shrek the Musical, which Pittsburgh CLO is producing as the child-and-family-friendly entry in its summer cavalcade of musicals. Should you neither have a child nor be one, you are still welcome to attend. All that one needs is an affinity for fairytale characters, and a desire to see them rescued from a villain’s designs by a wacky chain of events that revolve around a live actor decked in shocking bright green. And there’s music! Good enough music, paired with a good enough story, that Shrek the Musical was nominated for multiple major Tony Awards in 2009. (Although, alas, it won only one—for costume design.) The musical, written by Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire, is based on the Disney movie Shrek, which was based on the picture book by William Steig, so it’s part of a franchise that just keeps coming. And if that doesn’t sell ya, nothing will. Performances through July 24. 8 p.m. Benedum Center, 237 7^th Ave., Cultural District. (MV)

2) The Infiltrator – Bryan Cranston stars in this film version of a true story about U.S. Customs agent Robert Mazur. In the early 1980’s he posed as the phony “Bob Musella” to discover how international drug lords were laundering their cash. He got in pretty deep and by 1986 was involved in the money schemes of Medellín Cartel supreme drug lord Pablo Escobar—aka “The King of Cocaine” because at the height of his activities it’s estimated he supplied 80% of America’s nose candy. Mazur pursued the case and, ultimately, brought down 85 drug lords and corrupt bankers. The screenplay is by Ellen Brown Furman, it’s directed by Brad Furman and co-stars John Leguizamo, Diane Kruger, Amy Ryan, Benjamin Bratt, Jason Isaacs, and Olympia Dukakis. Check Fandango for screens and times. (TH)

3) Dormont Dogs may have gone to heaven, but mourners can still order a Dormont dog at Parker’s Pgh, the sandwich-shop now in its place. The menu offers “the original ‘dormont dogs,’” including hot dogs named after Dormont streets, just like the old hotdog shop used to have. Parker’s of course boasts plenty of its own originals. It’s these options that have made it the packed establishment it is today. Located just off Potomac Avenue, Dormont’s main drag, Parker’s specializes in sandwiches, both for breakfast and lunch, plus salads, and sides. Customers can build their own, pick a menu item, or leave their culinary fate in the hands of the artisans with The Lottery Ticket—the staff picks the bun, meats, cheese, and condiments. Their bacon mac and cheese is a hit, and they proudly brew Zeke’s coffee. They also have a limited daily amount of pretzels from the South Side’s Pretzel Shop. Local delivery is available during lunch hours as well. 2911 Glenmore Ave., Dormont. (CM)

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