Civic Theatre of Allentown is staging a musical about an iconic ogre, and Touchstone Theatre is announcing a change in leadership.

Civic is presenting “Shrek The Musical,” Oct. 17 to Nov. 2 on the Main Stage in the historic 19th Street Theater, Allentown.

Touchstone has announced that Lisa Jordan, who has been the Bethlehem theater’s managing director for 18 years is stepping down from that role.

Civic brings everyone’s favorite ogre to life with the Broadway hit “Shrek The Musical,” based on the 2001 film “Shrek.”

The musical, which ran on Broadway from 2008 to 2011 and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, faithfully recreates the hit animated film on stage, telling the story of a green-skinned Ogre named Shrek (Richie Warmkessel) who rescues Princess Fiona (Brooke Harrsch) from the evil Lord Farquaad (Jarrod Yuskauskas) with the help of a Donkey (Noah Schafer), who talks.

The musical adds humorous songs by Tony-nominated composer Jeanine Tesori. The cast recording of the show was nominated for a Grammy for best musical show album.

The movie “Shrek,” based on William Steig’s 1990 book “Shrek!,” was a huge hit for DreamWorks, and won the Oscar for best animated film in 2002. The unforgettable characters became a part of pop culture and the movie spawned four sequel movies, television shows and is a hugely successful franchise.

The musical features clever and catchy tunes, including “Freak Flag,” “What’s Up, Duloc?;” “Big, Bright Beautiful World,” “I Know It’s Today,” “Don’t Let Me Go” and “I’m a Believer.”

For theater buffs, the show features in-jokes. Look for references to “The Lion King,” “Gypsy,” “Les Miserables,” “A Chorus Line” and “West Side Story.”

The cast includes Mack Bolan, Alyssa Weber, Patrick Mertz, Helena Putney, Hannah Snyder, Connor Simmons and Cashton Morrow.

The musical is directed by William Sanders, with musical direction by Nick Conti.

“Shrek The Musical,” 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17, 18, 24, 25, 31; 3 p.m. Oct. 26, Nov. 2; 3 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1, Civic Theatre of Allentown, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown. 610-433-8903, https://civictheatre.com/

On Sept. 29, Lisa Jordan announced in an email that she is leaving her role as managing director of Touchstone Theatre and taking a position at the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley as a grants administrator.

“I am proud to continue serving our community there,” Jordan stated.

She will continue at Touchstone as an ensemble member and adjunct faculty for the Touchstone/Moravian MFA program.

There are several other administrative changes. Artistic director Jp Jordan will become Touchstone’s executive director. Ensemble member Matt Prideaux will take on the new role of director of marketing and production. The 2024-25 season intern Haley Arnold has been named administrative and audience services associate. Touchstone/Moravian MFA graduate Amber Charest has been named assistant education director.

Jordan calls her announcement “exciting and bittersweet news for myself and the company.”

She has been involved with Touchstone for 24 years and acted as managing director for nearly 18 years.

“Touchstone was my first professional home after college and internships,” she says. “I’ve spent nearly half my life here, growing up both professionally and artistically, and building the most extraordinary community along the way.

“While it’s hard to imagine stepping back, it’s the right time, and I’m moving forward with gratitude for all that has been and excitement for what’s to come for both myself and Touchstone.”

She is grateful to be able to remain connected with Touchstone and its community.

“This isn’t goodbye,” she says. “It’s simply to be continued.”

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com