Musical theatre is back at G.W. Graham Secondary School in Chilliwack.
The high school presents 'Shrek The Musical Jr.' May 29 to June 1. It's the school's first musical theatre production under the Graham Musical Theatre umbrella since 2012.
"In the early years (2007 to 2012), the musical theatre department put on yearly productions featuring some of the most talented students in our district," said school music director Shane Monkman.
They later partnered with a community theatre company to produce three other musicals.
"We are excited to announce that musical theatre is back at GWG."
The junior musical production of Shrek was adapted from the Broadway production 'Shrek The Musical', based on the Oscar-winning movie and the book 'Shrek' by William Steig. The music is by Jeanine Tesori, and the book and lyrics are by David Lindsay-Abaire.
"The show will also feature a 23-person live orchestra made up of Grade 9-12 students from GWG and Sardis Secondary, as well as community volunteers," Monkman said.
Synopsis: 'Shrek The Musical Jr.' follows an ogre named Shrek who has learned the hard way that “people hate the things they cannot understand.” For many years he has protected himself from the hurtful actions of those who are scared of him by living as a recluse in a cozy cesspit. One day, his peaceful swamp is disturbed by new tenants: fairy tale misfits — including Pinocchio, the Ugly Duckling, the Wicked Witch, Peter Pan, the Three Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf — have been banished there by the villainous Lord Farquaad. In order to gain back his land, Shrek makes a deal with Farquaad to rescue the feisty princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a fierce dragon. Setting off with his faithful companion, Donkey, Shrek begins the journey of a lifetime filled with adventure, romance, and hilarity.
After 2012, the school collaborated with a community theatre company to produce three other musical-theatre productions which were not put on by the Graham Musical Theatre company. Newbury Art Concepts partnered with GWG to produce Bye, Bye, Birdie in 2014, Oliver in 2016, and Music Man in 2018.
G.W. Graham presents 'Shrek The Musical Jr.' from May 29 to June 1 at the school (45955 Thomas Rd.). Show times are 7 p.m. on May 29, 30 and 31; and 2 p.m. on June 1. Tickets are $15 and available at the school office or online at gwgss.sd33.bc.ca/home.
NOTE: An earlier version of this story stated 'Shrek The Musical Jr.' was the first musical theatre production at GWG since 2012. The Chilliwack Progress regrets the error and any confusion it may have caused.
