Kids’ theatre ready to bring Shrek and friends to the stage

Reconnect with an ogre, a donkey and many of your favorite fairy tale characters during Lakeland College performing arts department’s upcoming production of Shrek the Musical, Jr.

“The story will be very similar to the movie Shrek but with adaptations for stage and theatre,” says Mona Smith of the performing arts department.

The musical theatre production, directed by Kathryn Edwards, will be on stage March 18-20 at the Vic Juba Community Theatre at the Lloydminster campus. The cast features senior members of the college’s Triple Threat Theatre for Kids program.

The cast has been practicing since September and actors Lane Nidish and Victoria Marmulak are excited to perform in front of a live audience.

“The audience can expect some very energetic scenes, good singing and lots of bright costumes,” says Marmulak, who plays Princess Fiona. [See photo at left, Marmulak (left) and Nidish(right) seated during a rehearsal]

Playing Shrek has been an entertaining challenge for Nidish. “You really have to connect with your character – you have to be the character,” he says, noting that he uses a Scottish accent throughout the performance.

Marmulak and Nidish agree that the success of the show relies on teamwork and commitment by all of the cast members. “There’s not one role in this entire musical that wouldn’t be fun to play. This show has a lot of great roles,” says Marmulak.

The performance of Shrek the Musical, Jr. follows a very successful performance of Annie Jr. in January by the junior members of the Theatre for Kids program.

This is the first time the performing arts department has hosted two live productions in one year. “We had so many people sign up for our program that we decided to add an additional show,” says Smith, noting that it’s great to see the increased interest in musical theatre in the community.

For Smith, the most satisfying element is the development of the students during the year and throughout their involvement in the program.

“There are some people who have been in the program for a number of years. I certainly see their growth and notice the increased confidence they have on stage,” says Smith.

Evening performances of Shrek the Musical, Jr. are March 18 and 19 at 7 pm. with an afternoon show March 20 at 1 pm. Show tickets only are $15 for adults and $5 for students and for those aged 12 and under.

Dinner and brunch packages are also available. Those  tickets are $40 for adults, $25 for students and for those aged 12 & under.

Purchase your tickets at the Vic Juba Community Theatre Box Office at the Lloydminster campus or by phone at 1 780 872 7400. Box office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

March 4, 2016