‘Shrek The Musical Jr.’ Comes to Life on Stage at Bronxville Middle School

Bronxville Middle School students brought their favorite storybook characters to life when they performed “Shrek The Musical Jr.” as their spring musical production on May 17-18. Nearly 50 middle school students – as members of the cast and crew – joined their talents on stage.

“Shrek The Musical Jr.” tells the story of Shrek and Donkey who fight the fiery Dragon to save Princess Fiona from the tower. As they dance and sing their way through the swamp and forest to show Lord Farquaad the errors of his ways, new friendships form as the characters let their freak flags fly and learn to accept their big-bright-beautiful selves.

Theater director Pamela Simpson, who is retiring at the end of the school year, guided the students through their memorable performances. In addition to Simpson, the crew was mentored by high school crew members who shared their technical expertise. The cast and crew were also supported by the talented leadership team of vocal director Hannah Geiling, choreographer Jason Summers, costume designers Caroline Oliver and Michelle Rohr, technical director Brian Wedeking, sound director Chad Lawrenz, keyboard player Mary Ann Ivan and photographer David Fenner. In addition, Jenny Richardson and Rachael Dorr provided exceptional support to Simpson and lead the parent volunteers while Dorr also provided exquisite woodland creatures and trees and bushes.

In addition, the middle school students treated the youngest members of the community from local nursery schools to a special dress rehearsal performance and enhanced them with the fairy tale characters.