LINDEN — An ogre who falls in love with a princess jumps from the big screen to the stage in Northridge Middle School’s biggest production.
“Shrek Jr.” runs at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the North Montgomery High School auditorium. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are no longer available for sale online but can be purchased at the door.
More than 100 students are involved in the show. “We were really lucky to have some great kids,” co-director Daniel Martin said as the cast and crew gathered for rehearsals.
When Shrek (Jacob Hughes) sees his swamp invaded by fairytale characters, the ogre confronts Lord Farquaad (Connor Koopman), who had banished the characters.
Farquaad offers a deal: If Shrek rescues Princess Fiona (Brooklyn Kerns), the swamp will return to normal.
Hughes returns to the stage after playing King Trident in last year’s production of “Little Mermaid Jr.” The eighth grader said Shrek’s sarcastic personality attracted him to the character.
“I’m a very sarcastic person myself, so it works out well,” said Hughes, whose family has played a large role in assisting with the production along with the Yeager family.
Fiona lives for the day she’s rescued by a handsome prince but falls victim to a curse that turns her into an ogre.
“I like her. She’s not like other princesses,” said Kerns, a seventh grader.
The role is her first speaking part on the middle school stage after playing a sea creature and seagull last year.
Shrek sets out on the journey to meet Fiona with Donkey (Sophie Morris), the character that Morris calls the “comedic release” of the show.
“You can always count on him for a laugh,” Morris said.
The show is presented through special arrangements with Musical Theatre International.
