Come shriek at 'Shrek'

NORWALK — It's bound to be an all-star performance. Norwalk High School is presenting its 2025 production of "Shrek the Musical"; shows started on Thursday and run through this Sunday at the Ernsthausen Performing Arts Center, located on the high school campus at 350 Shady Lane Drive. According to the Norwalk High School website, the musical is based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film "Shrek." This tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue will have people of all ages rolling with laughter as they travel along on their journey. A long time coming The public has been eagerly awaiting Norwalk High School's adaptation of this modern-day classic. "This show has been requested for years, and this year, we decided to finally do it," said the musical's director, Robyn Rogers. Rogers described her excitement and promised attendees of the students' play a night of magic. "There's a lot of people who saw the movie," Rogers said. "All the fairy tale characters will be here. It's a show full of laughs and some really awesome music." According to Rogers, the student vocalists will be accompanied by a full orchestra, lending a Broadway feel to the musical. The production has a large cast and many volunteers. "We have 80 students involved and 20 to 30 adult volunteers," Rogers said. Shrek and Fiona speak A.J. Mierzwinski, a senior who plays the namesake character "Shrek," shares his love of acting and this play in particular. "I enjoy making people laugh or cry and give the audience emotions by what you do," A.J. said. "On stage, all eyes are on you." Fiona, the female lead, will be played by senior Madelyn Long. She enjoyed working with the cast and explained why she enjoyed participating in this musical production. "This musical is a lot of fun because there are a lot of unique characters that bring unique aspects to the show," Madelyn said. "It's comedic, entertaining and involved. Everyone here has worked so hard to make this happen. I feel honored to work with a group of people who are so dedicated to what they do." Join the family Both A.J. and Madelyn shared some thoughts for anyone who wanted to try participating in theater but felt hesitant. "For anyone reluctant to be involved in theater, I would tell them to go for it, regardless of how nervous they may be," Madelyn said. "The family you create is unlike any other I have ever been a part of, and the feeling of validation after every show is euphoric." "The scariest part is the audition, but once you get past that fear, it's all just fun," A.J. added. Come and have fun Madelyn wants the public to experience the work and effort the students and staff have put into the musical and enjoy the beloved "Shrek" in a different format. "People should attend the show because everyone has put in so much hard work and effort into the performance," Madelyn said. "It is super funny, detailed, and a wonderful overall performance. While everyone is familiar with the movie 'Shrek,' not everybody knows just how fun the musical gets." Kristy May, a senior who plays "Mama Ogre," expects the audience to enjoy the production. "Everyone and everything looks great," Kristy said. "It is going to be so fun." Madelyn had a message of appreciation for everyone who took part in this production. "I feel honored to work with a group of people so dedicated to what they do," she said. Ticket information The curtain times are: • 7 p.m. Friday through Saturday • 3 p.m. Sunday Tickets are available online at payschoolsevents.com until 4 p.m. the day of the show, and available to purchase at the venue ticket window starting two hours before showtime.