WMS Troupers to Present 'Shrek Jr. The Musical'
WMS Troupers to Present 'Shrek Jr. The Musical'
The cast and crew of "Shrek Jr. The Musical."
Westonka Community Education and the Westonka Middle School (WMS) Troupers are proud to present “Shrek, Jr. The Musical” at the Westonka Performing Arts Center April 23 through April 26. The show features 77 middle school students in the cast and crew, along with 13 high school students supporting the production.
Shrek the ogre is content to live alone in his swamp, eating slime and scaring anyone who comes near. One day, a bunch of fairy tale misfits hide away in his swamp from a villain trying to ruin their lives. Shrek teams up with a wise-cracking donkey and undertakes a quest to save not only a feisty princess unwilling to be rescued, but the entire fairy tale kingdom... and he may just discover he's been missing something all those years alone. Based on the Oscar-winning film and Tony-winning Broadway musical, “Shrek Jr”. is twisted fun for all ages!
“We are so excited to unveil our middle school production of Shrek Jr., featuring an incredible cast and crew of over 90 students,” said Scott Lhotka, Director of Community Education. “Guided by our outstanding creative team, these young actors and crew members have worked tirelessly. Beyond the magic they are creating today the skills they are building, including teamwork, dedication, and confidence both on and behind the stage, are empowering them for whatever journey they take in life.”
Performances will be held April 23, 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets are on sale now on the Westonka PAC website.
Long time director Mary Todd Kaercher leads the production and handles costumes. Music director is Melissa Bray, while Jamie Harms oversees choreography and technical direction. Josh Barnd provides set construction and assistance. WHS senior Sarah Goralczyk is student music director and senior Cerisa Bray is student choreographer.
Other high school students involved in the production include:
Poppy Lehtola - Dance Captain
Kylee Christ - Stage Manager
Lauren Tschimperle - Assistant Stage Manager/Sound Board Operator
Ida Butterfield - Prop Captain
Orrin Butterfield - Spotlight Operator
Ryleigh Hanley - Crew Captain/Fly Operator
Zach Van Nelson - Fundraiser Captain/Run Crew
Evaydrian Bird - Mic Wrangler/Run Crew
Carley Durr - Ensemble Captain
Jack Durr - Ensemble Captain
“After such a rousing statement piece as ‘Newsies’ was last year, I was skeptical about ‘Shrek Jr.’,” said Kaercher. “However, we have found the truth of our work this year is just as meaningful. What makes us different makes us powerful, and that’s a great message for everyone.”
“I am eternally grateful to our brilliant directors and the dedicated community education staff who work behind the scenes to make this a remarkable experience,” added Lhotka. “We are incredibly proud of this team and eagerly anticipate the curtain rising. Break a leg cast and crew!”