NEW HOPE, PA — The Doylestown Theatre Academy brings the magic of live theater to stage this week when it presents "Shrek Jr., the Musical" on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1 for four shows only.
Performances will be held at 2 and 7 p.m. both days at the New Hope-Solebury High School on Bridge Street in New Hope Borough.
Filled with comedy, fairy tale characters, dance numbers, and memorable songs, Shrek Jr. is show that children and adults alike will love. Whether the kids have watched the DreamWorks movie 100 times or are discovering the story for the first time, they'll laugh along with Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona, and a cast of unforgettable fairy tale favorites.
The production also offers the perfect excuse to make a day (or evening) of it in New Hope. Enjoy lunch or dinner at one of New Hope's many restaurants, browse Main Street, or take in views of the Delaware River before or after the performance.
Behind the laughter is an inspiring story of what young people can accomplish when given the opportunity.
The Doylestown Theatre Academy production features a cast of 36 young performers from the Central Bucks, North Penn, Pennridge, Palisades, and surrounding school districts. In just 10 days, the students learned challenging vocals, choreography, acting, and character development before bringing a full-scale musical to life on stage.
The cast of Shrek Jr., the Musical.
Leading the production is Ian Handy (Central Bucks West) in the title role of Shrek. Remy Mayo (Central Bucks East) and Katherine Phillips (North Penn High School) alternate performances as Princess Fiona, bringing their own unique interpretations to one of musical theatre's most beloved princesses.
The cast is rounded out with Caden Myers (Central Bucks West) as Donkey and George Cunningham (Holicong Middle
School) as Lord Farquaad.
Together with a talented ensemble of young performers,
they transform the stage into the whimsical world of Shrek's swamp, Duloc, and Dragon's Keep.
The production is directed and choreographed by regional favorite Stephen Casey, with music direction by Jaime Rogers, assistant direction by Michael O'Hara, scenic design by Becca Dunst, and head carpenter and co-producer Kevin Handy.
Together, the creative team provides the young performers with a fast-paced, professional-quality theatre experience while fostering confidence, teamwork, creativity, and lasting friendships. Doylestown Theatre Academy also hopes to inspire the next generation of performers with its productions.
"Younger children in the audience will be watching someone just a few years older than they are accomplish something incredible," said Doylestown Theatre Academy co-producer Kevin Handy. "That's powerful. We hope families leave having enjoyed a great show, but we also hope some kids go home saying, 'I want to do that.' If so, we've done our job."
Tickets are available at DoylestownTheatreAcademy.com or may be purchased at the door.
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