The Wabash District #348 School Board received a preview Monday morning of this week's junior production of "Shrek the Musical."
Mt. Carmel Junior High music director Ellen Wall appeared before the board accompanied by two of the show's lead performers, Reese Macer and Andrew Haggerty, who portray Shrek and Donkey.
Wall said the cast has been preparing for the production since the start of the second semester. Since school ended, the students have continued rehearsing daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to get ready for opening night.
The production features 43 students who have just completed grades five through nine, along with numerous volunteers helping behind the scenes.
Performances are scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Mt. Carmel High School Auditorium.
Wall praised the students for their dedication, responsibility, and enthusiasm throughout the rehearsal process, saying they represent the future of the community in a positive way.
The junior production is designed to introduce younger students to theater and encourage them to participate in the high school's larger musical productions in the future. The show has been adapted into a shorter format, running about an hour with an intermission, while remaining true to the story and humor of the popular animated film.
During the board meeting, Macer explained that while putting on the Shrek costume takes only a few minutes, the green makeup and prosthetics require considerably more preparation. Wall added that both lead actors have fully embraced their roles, joking that everyone now refers to them simply as Shrek and Donkey.
Tickets are available through the District 348 website and can be purchased using a QR code posted online.
Wall encouraged the community to attend, calling the production a fun, family-friendly show filled with junior high humor and plenty of laughs.
