Having ogre-sized fun at Maria Regina

Save the dates because next week Maria Regina Catholic School in Seaford will be putting on a production filled with ogre-sized fun. “Shrek Jr. the Musical” is coming to town and it’s definitely something you won’t want to miss.

Based on the DreamWorks film, Shrek, the musical follows a large, green ogre who, with the help of Donkey, must rescue Princess Fiona from the evil Lord Farquaad. The play contains various musical numbers, bright fairytale characters and even an intimidating dragon scene.

“We chose this play because the character of Shrek appeals to the kids,” new director Father Frank Nelson said. “There are a lot of parts that you can use for little kids, like fairytale creatures and such. There is something for everybody.”

With 85 children in the cast and an additional 10 working backstage, it takes a lot for all of the pieces to fit together. With after-school rehearsals until 5 p.m. and even longer dress rehearsals, the students are almost ready to take the stage.

“We hope that everything comes together, that everyone is here, that no one breaks a leg and that the sound doesn’t cut out,” Music Director Margo Raione said with a laugh.

“This is a big dress-up musical, so we have a lot of costumes that they are really enjoying a lot.”

Seventh-grader Jamie Barrett is excited to take the stage as the lead role of Princess Fiona and has been working hard to perfect her character. “I love acting as a really happy and upbeat person and always looking on the bright side of things,” Barrett said. “I do a lot of vocal warm-ups to prepare and practice over and over on the stage and repeat all the movements so that I get even better.”

James Mamouzelos, an eighth-grade student, also looks forward to playing Shrek and getting to wear a bight green ogre suit on stage. “People in my family love theater and so do my friends, so I gave it a shot,” Mamouzelos said. “I look forward to seeing my family in the crowd and just being Shrek on opening night. It’s a lot of memorization but I love doing his impersonations. It’s just been really fun this entire time.”