The production features 16 high school performers and six students backstage, according to director Maria Leppert.

Directly inspired by the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film, “Shrek The Musical” follows a gruff, green ogre named Shrek who becomes angry after egotistical leader Lord Farquaad banishes fairytale creatures from his kingdom and, in turn, overruns Shrek’s swamp. To ensure his own solitude, Shrek agrees to a deal with Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona so she can become Farquaad’s bride. Embarking on the quest alongside a talkative donkey, Shrek not only learns about the world around him but also his own capabilities.

Considering the personal growth journey characters experience throughout the musical, Leppert said that students can learn to rule the world while making friends along the way.

“You can be different, and you can have friends,” she said. “You don’t have to be the same.”

Claysburg-Kimmel High School students paint wooden boards dark green for their high school’s production of “Shrek The Musical.” Courtesy photos

She also said that the show keeps the audience’s interest, mentioning the musical number, “I Think I Got You Beat,” where Shrek and Fiona engage in a burping and farting battle.

“Shrek The Musical” is “good for everyone,” she said, as parents will enjoy the humor and children will enjoy the singing and dancing.

Leppert typically takes show suggestions each season, and due to Shrek’s popularity among younger generations, her students expressed enthusiasm over producing the show at their school.

Cast: Milo Barr as Shrek; Gwendolyn Wicker as Donkey; Guisella Mejia Mock as Fiona; Jerrika Burket as Lord Farquaad; Gabby Nelson as Dragon; Elin Nelson as Gingy and Kassidy Lingenfelter as Pinocchio.

Performers: Lillian Caldwell, Ava Burket, Laike Burket, Ness Eager, Ella Eager, Adilee Guyton, Gabby Nelson, Elin Nelson, Kassidy Lingenfelter, Zylona Fagan, Cora Boyer and Lynesse Wicker.

Cast member Guisella Mejia Mock as Fiona (right) holds an apple beside Milo Barr as Shrek. Behind them stands Gwendolyn Wicker as Donkey as performers run through a scene for Claysburg-Kimmel High School’s production of “Shrek The Musical.” Courtesy photo

Stage crew: Caleb Feathers, Jackson Slagenweit, Maddy Avery and Reyvan Weidlich.

Claysburg-Kimmel High School principal Chuck Kassick plays the Bishop, who officiates the wedding ceremony at the end of the show.

“Shrek The Musical” will be Claysburg-Kimmel’s third drama performance since the club’s 13-year hiatus, Leppert said, which fizzled out during staff turnover. Board member and Claysburg Area Community Theatre director Heidi Kennedy encouraged the drama club’s return, while Leppert started as the club’s director.

The two-hour show includes 25 songs, which is longer compared to their previous productions, Leppert said. As a result, student performers have been putting more work into singing, acting and dancing for their roles.

As for costumes, Barr — who plays Shrek — will be painted green while wearing a latex bald cap.

Burket — who plays Lord Farquaad — will be acting on her knees to convince audience members that her character is short. Burket sewed her pants into her shoes to add the height illusion.

As students prepare for the upcoming show,

Leppert hopes their passion for performing arts carries into their futures, whether it be on Claysburg-Kimmel’s stage or not.

“I hope it’s a good experience to look back on, that they liked doing it, and it carries into doing community theater and keeping it alive wherever they are,” she said.

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.