‘Shrek the Musical Jr.’ cast prepares for curtain call

ROYAL OAK — Take a trip to the swamp July 19-28 at “Shrek the Musical Jr.” at the Baldwin Theatre in downtown Royal Oak.

“Shrek the Musical Jr.” is based on the DreamWorks Animation film and the book by William Steig. The play tells the story of Shrek and his journey to rescue Princess Fiona.

Emily Lourim, director of “Shrek Jr.,” has been a part of Stagecrafters for 15 years and has directed shows in the past, but this show holds a special place in her heart, because when she was 14, she performed in “Shrek the Musical” on the Stagecrafters main stage.

“It’s not only super cool to be directing it with children as an adult, but it is super cool because we pay homage to the show that we did 10 years ago in terms of the costuming and some of the design elements,” she said.

Being a mentor to the children, like the adults were to her 10 years prior, is one of the main aspects of directing that Lourim has taken away from this experience.

“I grew up doing theater there, and now to hopefully be a mentor to so many kids who are in the cast, and working with adults that were mentors to me when I was a young actor, is really cool,” Lourim said.

“Shrek the Musical Jr.” is a youth show and takes approximately two hours with one 15-minute intermission. The cast consists of students ages 8-18.

“There is a big range of ages and abilities,” Lourim said. “This is some kids’ 10th show, and this is some kids’ first show, but you wouldn’t really know it, because they are working so hard, and they really feel and look like professionals up there.”

The musical follows the story of Shrek, an ogre who is quite grumpy and angry with life. Throughout his journey to find Fiona, he also finds himself and who he is meant to be.

The story surrounds the idea of acceptance of yourself and others, which is the message that both Lourim and 15-year-old Riley Chu, who plays Donkey, hope the audience takes away from the performance.

The character Donkey is the unlikely friend Shrek makes on his journey to finding Princess Fiona.

Chu said she did not expect to get the role of Donkey, as she auditioned to be the dragon.

“I was completely surprised I got Donkey, and I knew it was going to be a big challenge, but I am just so happy that I got the part, because I am loving it,” Chu said.

Chu said that she hopes the audience learns to “let their freak flag fly” upon watching the performance.

“I hope the audience can find good in both the funny and vulnerable times along any journey, and that you should always be yourself,” she said.

Chu has been performing for Stagecrafters for several years and says this is her sixth show with the organization.

“My favorite thing about Stagecrafters is the community,” she said. “The family that I found there is better than any group of people that I could find anywhere else, and everyone is so encouraging and kind.”

Being a part of the performing arts has helped Chu to find herself in every character she plays.

“The best part of theater is being able to take the characters that I play and apply their characteristics to my life, and I learn a lot more about myself when I am performing,” she said.

Lourim said that the dedication and drive shown by the cast not only proves their professionalism, but their ability to learn and work together as a team.

“I hope that audiences see the incredible talent and strength of not only our youth members who put on the show, but also children everywhere and how their joy and individuality is an incredible strength to the world and our future,” Lourim said.

“Shrek Jr.” will be playing at the Baldwin Theatre at 415 S Lafayette Ave. in Royal Oak from July 19 to July 28. Tickets and showtimes are available at stagecrafters.org.

Tickets cost $15 for youth and $15 for adults, plus a $3 per ticket fee.