By 1812Blockhouse
There are few characters as instantly recognizable as a grumpy green ogre with a soft heart. Next month, that unlikely hero takes the stage in Mansfield.
The Mansfield Youth Theatre, known as MY Theatre, will present Shrek, the Musical, Jr. at the Renaissance Theatre March 27, March 28, and March 29 as part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series. Performances are scheduled for 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, with a 2:30 PM matinee on Sunday. Tickets are $15, general admission, and are available through the Renaissance Box Office, by phone, and online at www.rentickets.org.
Directed by Dauphne Maloney with musical direction by Brian Nabors, the production brings together nearly 50 young performers for a show that is equal parts fairy tale spoof and heartfelt story.
A Story That Still Works
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and adapted from Shrek, The Musical, Jr. follows the now-familiar journey of Shrek, an ogre who has spent his life being judged by his appearance. Seeking peace in his swamp, he instead finds himself entangled in a quest that introduces him to a talkative Donkey, a sharp-witted Princess Fiona, and a host of displaced fairy tale characters.
What makes the show endure is not the jokes alone. Beneath the humor, it carries a clear message about belonging and self-acceptance. Maloney says working with this cast has underscored that point.
“Working with this group of young performers has been such a joy,” Maloney shared. “Their enthusiasm, hard work, and sense of teamwork really bring Shrek Jr. to life. Through their commitment to the story and music, they share an important message about friendship, acceptance, and celebrating what makes each of us unique.”
A Stage Full of Young Talent
The cast represents a wide cross-section of Richland County and beyond, with students ages 8 to 18 from Ashland, Clearfork, Crestview, Discovery – Mansfield, Foundation Academy, Homeschool programs, Lexington, Lucas, Madison, Mansfield, Mansfield Christian, Mansfield Classical Academy, Mansfield St. Peter’s, Mapleton, Nor-Wayne, Ohio Connections Academy, Ontario, Richland School of Academic Arts, and Shelby.
Aurelien von Ehrenkroak leads the cast as Shrek, with Josephine Foster portraying Princess Fiona. Graycen Stevens takes on the role of Donkey, the ogre’s endlessly loyal sidekick.
The fairy tale world fills out quickly from there. Gabriel Anderson plays Lord Farquaad, Piper Donahue appears as Dragon, and Kennadi Knipp, Marco Armstrong, Hudson Hamelink, Estel Bramlage, Mackenzie Wynn, Jordyn Beasley, Morgyn Beasley, Olivia Brumagin, Marilena Kruer, and Maddie Rice portray the colorful group of fairy tale misfits. Alese Graves, Emersyn Henderson, and Steliana Kruer serve as Storytellers, guiding the audience through the chaos and comedy.
Behind the scenes, the scale of the production is as important as what audiences see under the lights. For many of these students, this is not just a performance but a formative experience in collaboration, discipline, and confidence.
A Performance Designed for Everyone
In addition to the regular run, MY Theatre will offer a free sensory-friendly performance at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 28 for families of individuals on the autism spectrum and others with sensory processing needs. This performance requires advance registration through the Renaissance Education Department at (419) 522-2726, extension 212. A limited number of tickets is available, and no walk-ups will be accommodated.
From Broadway to Mansfield
Shrek, The Musical features songs by Jeanine Tesori and a book by David Lindsay-Abaire. The original Broadway production opened in 2008, starring Brian d’Arcy James as Shrek and Sutton Foster as Princess Fiona. It earned eight Tony Award nominations and ran for nearly 500 performances before closing in 2010.
That Broadway pedigree matters, but what matters more locally is what happens when a national show is placed in the hands of area students. The scale shifts. The jokes feel closer. The lessons feel personal.
Source, Photo: Renaissance Performing Arts Association
