The story about the loveable, green orgre, Shrek, is the spring musical production by Helias Catholic High School in Jefferson City.
"Shrek: the Musical" is based on the DreamWorks film "Shrek" and made it's Broadway debut in 2008. This is the first time that it has been performed in the this area.
There are more than 40 students in the cast, some playing multiple roles and a large number of students on the technical crews. The total number of students involved in the production is over 100.
Director Joyce Weber is joined by assistant director Audie Cline in running and bringing the production to life.
"Audie has been marvelous. His sense of comic timing is wonderful and he is helping the characters develop this," Weber said.
Weber is also joined by Liz Hansen, choreographer; Gloria Johnson and Val Jones, costumes; Sue Logston, vocal director; Matt Tolksdorf, accompanist and technician of the electronic musical; and Lisa Dulle, makeup.
There are some technical challenges, including the fire breathing dragon, and of course major costuming.
"There are over 1,000 costume pieces and we own a large debt of gratitude to the Springfield Little Theatre who produced the show before and have been good in renting costumes and some set pieces," Weber said.
Ron Vossen, teacher at Helias, again leads a class in set design and construction, and they are responsible for pulling the technical aspects together.
The character of Shrek is played by Trent Ludwig; Princess Fiona is played by Suzie Kuensting; Lord Farqyaad is played by Connor Hirsch; Pinocchio is played by Donald Hopkins and the Donkey is played by TJ Hagenhoff. The voice of the Dragon is Abbey Ordway.
Weber credits parents of the cast and crew for doing a wonderful job of helping with T-shirts, cast party and ad sales.
Claudia Kehoe is the adult parent volunteer coordinator.
Audiences will remember longtime Helias director Wyn Riley, who died in 2014.
"It was a difficult decision to take over as director for the musical, but I made a promise and after talking with Ron Vossen decided to do the show because so much effort had already been made. I realized that I had a wonderful crew to work with and as a team we pulled it together," Weber said. Each show will be dedicated to Riley in appreciation for her many years of dedication.
"I would encourage audience members to do as the audience in Springfield and come dressed as various characters from the production. Celebrate the show with the cast and crew," she said.
At a glance
What: "Shrek: the Musical," presented by Helias Catholic High School
When: March 13-15. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
Where: Miller Performing Arts Center in Jefferson City.
Tickets: $15 for adults and for ages 6 and under $10. Available at Helias at 573-635-3139.