Students from Gateway Academy in Cedar City will present their production of Shrek The Musical JR. on April 22 and 23 at the Heritage Theater.
The family-friendly musical comedy follows the adventures of an ogre named Shrek who sets off on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower. Along the way, Shrek and his loyal companion Donkey encounter a cast of fairy tale characters and discover that acceptance, friendship, and self-belief can be the greatest challenges of all.
In the story, Shrek has spent years living alone in his swamp after learning that “people hate the things they cannot understand.” His quiet life is disrupted when a group of fairy tale misfits—including Pinocchio, the Ugly Duckling, the Wicked Witch, Peter Pan, the Three Little Pigs, and the Big Bad Wolf—are banished to his land by the villainous Lord Farquaad.
To reclaim his swamp, Shrek agrees to rescue Princess Fiona, setting off on a journey filled with adventure, humor, and unexpected friendships.
The musical features music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. It is based on the Shrek from DreamWorks Animation and the book by William Steig.
The Broadway production of Shrek The Musical premiered in 2008 and received multiple award nominations, including several Tony Awards and Drama Desk Awards.
The junior adaptation performed by students was developed by the educational musical theatre consultancy iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.
Performances will take place at 7 PM on April 22 and April 23 at the Heritage Theater, 105 N. 100 E., in Cedar City. Tickets are $5 when purchased in advance online at gpacharter.org and $8 at the door.
Shrek The Musical JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International, which licenses theatrical productions to schools and community theaters worldwide.
