"Ogres are like onions, ogres have layers, onions have layers". — Shrek
It is easy to get swamped down with life, so what better way to forget about your troubles than a musical adventure with everyone's favourite ogre and his closest friends? The students of Queen Margaret's School once again bring their talents to the big stage for the second time this year with two performances of Shrek The Musical Jr. on June 6.
"It feels absolutely exhilarating to be presenting Shrek Jr. at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre," said director Tilly Lorence. "The guiding theme for our theatre program this year has been spreading joy. Shrek Jr. fits this beautifully. It’s a story full of quirky characters, catchy music, and a heartfelt message that resonates deeply with our school community: Be You."
This production brings together nearly 80 students from Grades 4 through 7 with a core cast of 46 dedicated student actors, as well as 10 senior students who are lending their voices to the backstage choir as they help support and uplift their younger cast members.
"We also have two senior students working behind the scenes," said Lorence. "One as our sound technician and the other as our stage manager making this a truly cross-grade collaborative production."
This big, bold and hilarious musical follows the grumpy but lovable ogre Shrek on a quest to rescue the feisty princess Fiona. Along the way, he’s joined by a fast-talking Donkey and together they encounter a host of fairy tale misfits. What starts as a mission to reclaim his swamp turns into a journey of friendship, self-acceptance, and discovering that being different is something to celebrate. Taking the leads of this fun fairy tale adventure are Grade 7 students Mateo Garcia as Shrek, Nia Jones as Fiona, and Marama Kilgour as sidekick Donkey.
"Their journey has been filled with laughter, creativity, and a lot of hard work," said Lorence. "Along the way, they’ve built strong friendships, developed their performance skills, and grown in confidence — both on stage and off. My favourite part has been watching this diverse group of students come together to create something joyful and meaningful. Their humour, creativity, and generosity of spirit have turned rehearsals into a place of magic. It’s been such a privilege to see the community they’ve built and the confidence they’ve gained."
Another privilege with this show for Lorence is that it is also a tribute to two very special members of the QMS school community, David Robertson a steadfast supporter of the arts who is retiring this year and his wife Lynn who has volunteered her time and creativity on many of the school's productions over the years.
"Shrek was partly chosen as a playful nod to their Scottish roots and a celebration of their adventurous spirits," said Lorence. "We are so grateful for all they’ve given to our school community."
This is one show that promises to be more fun than a morning of making waffles, so lovers of community theatre will have to put this on their to do list above slaying a dragon, as there will only be one matinee at 1 p.m., followed by an evening show at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25, or $15 for students, children and teachers and can be purchased by calling the Cowichan Ticket Centre at 250-746-2722, visiting them online at cowichanpac.ca or visit in person in the lobby of the Cowichan Community Centre on James Street in Duncan.
"My hope is that audiences leave the theatre smiling, laughing, and feeling a little more connected," said Lorence. "At its heart, Shrek Jr. reminds us that our differences are not flaws, they’re our strengths. The show’s message to 'Let Your Freak Flag Fly' is a joyful anthem of self-acceptance and celebration. I hope everyone walks away feeling proud to be exactly who they are."
