Photo provided The cast of the Martins Ferry High School Theatre Department production of “Shrek the Musical” is, first row seated from left, Hannah Mohney, Hudson Higgs, Savanna Frazier, Jaylynn Adam; kneeling Aleah Watson; standing from left, Kaylee Long, Leviathan Briggs, Sydney Becker, Isabelle Dyer; on stage kneeling, Hayden Tinnel; second row from left, Breanna Gideon, Mia McCormack, Samantha Roundtree, Ryan Connors, Alexandra Gramatikos, Rayanne Rose, Sophie Rose; back row from left, Jaden Summers, Paige Sinkinson, Avani Palmer, Tylor Dyer.

MARTINS FERRY — The Martins Ferry High School Theatre Department aims to make each audience member “a believer” with their production of “Shrek the Musical” at the MFHS Cafetorium at 7 p.m. Friday, April 24, and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 25.

The fun-filled stage adaptation of the 2001 animated film that celebrates friendship, individuality and the beauty of being different.

MFHS Theatre Director Julia Wayne has staged the school’s spring musicals for 33 years. Her audition method ensures each season’s selection is perfectly cast.

“I always choose the show after auditions so that we can feature the strengths of our actors,” Wayne said. “There is no doubt that, despite it being a huge project considering all the costumes and props, this is the right show for us this year.”

The story features many familiar fairy tale characters: the princess, the dragon, the nobleman, the wooden boy, the gingerbread man and more.

The title character, Shrek, is an ogre who just wants to be left alone in his swamp. When it becomes overrun by outcasts from Lord Farquaad’s lands, Shrek is forced to give up his reclusive lifestyle to seek reparations from Farquaad, who is a small man in every sense. On the way, Shrek meets the tenacious and lonely Donkey, who talks his way into being Ogre’s sidekick.

Enter the tower-dwelling Princess Fiona, guarded by the Dragon. Fiona has bought into the fairytale trope that she will be rescued by a prince who will become her true love. When Farquaad sends Shrek to fetch Fiona to be his own bride in exchange for liberating the swamp, Fiona believes her dream has come true.

The plot twists and turns like a forest path as the talented cast brings to life this hilarious and heartwarming story that all ages will enjoy.

In the end, the story of hope and friendship wraps up with celebratory classic hit “I’m a Believer,” covered by Smash Mouth in the film.

The MFHS Theatre Department invites audiences to join Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, the Dragon, Farquaad and everyone’s fairytale favorites for this positive, upbeat production. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for elementary through high school students. Tickets are available in advance through any cast member and in the MFHS Office.

The cast features Ryan Connors as Shrek; Alexandra Gramatikos as Fiona; Samantha Roundtree as Donkey; Hudson Higgs as Pinocchio/Young Fiona; Hayden Tinnel as Lord Farquaad; Rayanne Rose, Paige Sinkinson, Jaden Summers as the Three Little Pigs; Leviathan Briggs, Isabelle Dyer, Sydney Becker as the Three Bears; Tylor Dyer as Big Bad Wolf; Savanna Frazier as Wicked Witch; Sophie Rose as Fairy Godmother; Mia McCormack as Ugly Duckling; Kaylee Long as Shoemaker Elf; Hannah Mohny as White Rabbit; Aleah Watson as Mad Hatter; Jaylynn Adams as Captain of the Guard/Knights; Holly McCormack as Sugar Plum Fairy; Sophia McCormack as Grumpy; and Julia Wayne as the voice of Gingy.

The crew includes Zoe Heath, stage manager/curtain; Silas Blount, sound; Payton Kramer, stage hand; Maci Rice, stage hand; Abygail Heath, lights; Lenyn Bane, music; Michael Fry, follow spot.