Courtesy photo Rehearsing for the Altoona Area Junior High School’s production of “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” are (from left): Dylan Hawksworth (Donkey), Dom Sparacino (Shrek), Grace Murphy (Pinnochio), Kallie Kunkle (Big Bad Wolf), Cristina Bailey (Ugly Duckling), Elliana Scott (Pig 3), Everly Nixon (Pig 2), Tenley Keefer (Pig 1), Hailey Hamilton (Wicked Witch), Charlotte White (Mama Bear), Mallory Ganz (Baby Bear), Natalie Lear (Peter Pan) and Andrew Leeper (Gingy).

The Altoona Area Junior High School Drama Club will present “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” next week.

A senior citizen preview will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 6. Public performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7, and Friday, March 8, with a matinee show at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 9. All performances will take place in the AAJHS auditorium. Doors will open a half hour before each show.

AAJHS students, along with special guests from the Juniata Elementary Drama Club, will present this family-friendly musical comedy that follows the adventures of an ogre named Shrek who sets off on a quest to save a princess from a dragon. However, it turns out that in order to ultimately succeed, Shrek must battle an even bigger obstacle — learning how to believe in himself and open his heart to others.

“Shrek the Musical, Jr.” has more than 70 actors and almost 20 crew members.

The show is being directed and produced by drama club faculty advisers Stacy Palilla and Jordan Giordano, along with assistants Lucy Craig and Ashley Astle.

General admission tickets will be on sale at the door. They are $8 for adults and $5 for students.