Shrek barrels out of the swamp

It’s not every day that a green, swamp-living ogre with bugle-type ears and horrible table manners turns out to be Prince Charming.

But then, Shrek Jr. the Musical turns social attitudes on its head making it the perfect vehicle for Visionary College musical theatre students 11 to 17 years.

Director Andrea McHenry, 22, chose the script based on her personal experiences. A Paul Kane High graduate, she was first introduced to Shrek’s song Who I Be from Frank Keller, a MacEwan musical theatre classmate.

“Frank sang it and it spoke wonders about Shrek’s personality. I was fully inspired and I finally heard the message behind Shrek – sometimes what people think you are is not who you really are,” said McHenry.

In this bright, big fairytale world the audience is transported to a faraway kingdom where Shrek finds his reclusive swamp invaded by a bunch of banished fairytale misfits from Duloc.

The shrimp-sized Lord Farquaad is a devilish dictator with grand ambitions to control the land. To complete his plan, he’s exiled a large band of fairy tale creatures into the swamp including Pinocchio, Big Bad Wolf, Peter Pan and assorted rag-tag misfits.

Angry at the invasion of his privacy, Shrek confronts Farquaad and demands the swamp be returned to him. Seizing on the opportunity, Farquaad agrees to find a new home for the fairy tale creatures if Shrek brings back a princess locked up in a tower surrounded by a lava moat.

Much to Shrek’s frustration, the jovial loud-mouthed Donkey accompanies him. Right from the get-go things do not go as planned, and the inexplicable duo must face a feisty Princess Fiona as well as a fire-breathing dragoness.

For McHenry, casting the show was in no way an issue.

“I wanted the students to bring their own self to the table. These kids have a lot of talent and it’s amazing to watch them come up with so many acting choices.”

Jonah Osborne (Nightmare Before Christmas) as Shrek will be wearing a nylon headpiece and green makeup to create the full effect.

“He has age and maturity on his side. And he’s really grown into the role of Shrek. He’s blossomed as an amazing artist and when he sings, he entrances you. He is in the moment,” McHenry said.

Battling Shrek at every step of the way is Princess Fiona portrayed by Makayla Barwick.

“She’s spunky and full of energy. Makayla came to the audition and nailed it. Since then, she’s been such a team player. She’s grown into the role and is so funny.”

Josh Nason tackles the role of the dwarf-sized Lord Farquaad.

“Beside the fact he’s on the short side, his Farquaad has a diva personality in a good way. And when he sings, he can hit a high C. Most women can’t do that. He’s got quite a range and an amazing personality.”

Donkey’s role receives a slightly more feminine treatment in the hands of actress Andrea Shipka.

“When she goes into Donkey mode, she makes choices I wouldn’t pick. But she gives me 110 per cent of anything I ask for. She blows me out of the water and I can’t wait to see her on show night.”

If McHenry could pick a song to sum up the spectacle, she’d choose Freak Flag.

“It’s about embracing your individuality and embracing your freak side instead of conforming and letting people tell you what to do.”

Shrek runs at L’UniThĂ©atre in La CitĂ© Francophone May 20 and 21.