Donkey (Andrew Sischo) and Shrek (Dean Demorest) listen to Lord Farquaad’s plan to have Shrek rescue Princess Fiona and earn his swamp back in a scene from “Shrek Jr.” — DN photo | Lori Hansen
Transforming the Greenville Area Recreation and Community Center Stage into a swamp and having a band of fairytale characters banished to that swamp is an interesting idea in itself. But then introducing an ugly ogre, a beautiful princess and a bad guy named Lord Farquaad, and you’ve got all the makings for a humorous, fun and energetic musical called “Shrek Jr.”
The Hans Christian Andersen Theater brings to the stage their production of “Shrek Jr.” featuring 26 actors who present a fabulous, fun show.
“Being that it is a Junior version, it allows more roles and more actors then have the opportunity to be on stage,” said Becky Tower, who is co-directing with her daughter Oli Tower, “It also has some parts cleaned up to make it more a family production.”
The cast is comprised of actors from sixth through 12th grade, with a few younger ones. Some have previous stage experience, but many are new to the HCAT stage.
“We are seeing the results of some of our workshops and younger programs, the feeder programs, and once they try it, they become hooked on being part of the theater family,” said Tower.
Princess Fiona (Brooklyn Treynor) apologizes to Donkey (Andrew Sischo) and Shrek (Dean Demorest) for her odd behavior at sunset the night before in a scene from “Shrek Jr.” —— DN photo | Lori Hansen
One of those actors is Dean Demorest, who plays the lead part of Shrek. Demorest has grown up on the stage and has always been a strong actor. Those experiences show as he takes on the role of the ogre, and nails the humor, the sarcasm, the vocals and the choreography while wearing a bulky costume.
Demorest plays opposite of Princess Fiona, portrayed talentedly by Brooklyn Treynor. The two work well together, and their voices blend in a nice harmony in several of the songs.
Sidekick Donkey, played with terrific melodramatic humor by veteran actor Andrew Sischo, is another actor who has a great stage presence, and nails the comedic role.
Hannah Mahone plays little Lord Farquaad. Malone has also shown strong theater experience and has a natural charisma that is seen in her roles.
Scene changes are quick, costumes are detailed with many actors having several costume changes, vocal and choreography show a lot of talent and hard work. The fast-paced, colorful performance is a one-hour top-notch show.
If you go …
What: “Shrek Jr.”
Where: Greenville Area Recreation and Community Center
When: 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: General admission tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. They are available at GARCCtickets.ludus.com or at the GARCC, 900 E. Kent Road, Greenville.
Cast: Shrek, Dean Demorest; Princess Fiona, Brooklyn Treynor; Donkey, Andrew Sischo, Lord Farquaad, Hannah Mahone; Dragon/Guard/Duloc, Micah Moroney; Gingy/Knight, Chloe Mollo; Pinnocchio/Woodland/rooster, Audrey Belding; Young Fiona/Rat 3, Katie Vansolkema; teen Fiona/Rat 5, Katlynn Andrews; Mama Ogre/Knight/Duloc, Addy Lentz; Papa Ogre/Knight/Duloc, Dillon Hodson; Storyteller/Guard/Duloc, Mallorie Antcliff; Storyteller 2/guard/Duloc, Lydia Antcliff; Storyteller 3/Guard/Duloc, Charlee Henrickson; Storyteller 4/Guard/Duloc, Natalie Horricks; Captain/Dwarf/Duloc, Ethan Brimmer; Big Bad Wolf/Woodland/Duloc, Emma Bratka; Mama Bear/Knight, Emma Simpson; Papa Bear/Woodland, Josie Harrison; Baby Bear/Woodland, Allison Simpson; Pig 1/Rat 1, Kelsey Barczak; Pig 2/Rat 2, Kendal Eckholm; Pig 3/Rat 3, Stormy Jeffery; Wicked Witch/Woodland/Duloc, Petra Mark; Peter Pan/Pied Piper/Duloc, Eli Stek; Ugly Duckling/Woodland/Duloc, Arabelle Saari; Puss in Boots/Woodland/Duloc, Mia Sanders; Baby Shrek, Samuel Miller.
Crew: Greenville Area Recreation and Community Center, producer; Maddi Huntoon, HCAT Coordinator; Jayne Johnson, Production Coordinator, Becky Tower, Co-director; Oli Tower, Co-director; Jaci Taylor, Student Director; Skye Hayes, Music Director; Maddi Huntoon, Choreographer; Izze Tower, Asst. Choreographer; Mary Green, Tap Choreographer; Christine LaBelle, Costumer; Nicole Saari, Asst. Costumer; Madison Mahone, props; Reaghan Dolphin, tech; Tristan Dolley, Stage Manager and Grace Burrill and Olivia Weese, Stage Crew.
