'Shrek The Musical JR.' cast members include Shrek, the green orgre, the princess, and a delightful group of animal characters.
'Shrek The Musical JR.' cast members include Shrek the green orgre, the princess, and a delightful group of animal characters. Credit: Courtesy photo

More than 70 local young performers, ages 9-16, will take audience members on a fairy tale adventure as Stage Left Productions presents “Shrek The Musical JR.” Saturday and Sunday July 22-23 at Santa Barbara High School Theater, 700 E. Anapamu St.

Show times are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. both days. Tickets are $15, general admission; $25 reserve seating, and can be purchased at the door.

The family-friendly musical comedy follows the adventures of an ogre named Shrek who sets off on a quest to save a princess from a dragon. However, it turns out that to succeed, Shrek must battle an even bigger obstacle: learning how to believe in himself and open his heart to others.

Now in its 23rd year, Stage Left Productions offers an intensive four-week summer program for young performing artists of all experience levels. The training program includes dance and vocal instruction, set and costume design and construction, actor training, improvisation, and audition technique.

The young thespians learn lessons in confidence, cooperation, respect, and team spirit as well.

Stage Left also offers a technical track that allows students to explore their interest in what it takes to build a show behind the scenes.

Stage Left Productions was created and developed by Shana Lynch Arthurs and Steven Lovelace.

Arthurs, a California credentialed teacher who teaches theater arts at Crane Country Day School, is also a trained professional in the performing arts. Lovelace is choreographer and former director of the Santa Barbara Dance Arts.

Sarah Eglin will provide musical and vocal direction, with John Douglas leading the band and musical support. Technical director is Jonathan Mitchell; costumes are created under the direction of Q Le; and Samantha Green is the scenic arts director.

With music by Jeanine Tesori, book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, “Shrek The Musical” is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and the book “Shrek” by William Steig.

The musical was adapted to be performed by students by educational musical theater consultancy firm iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.