Octorara Junior-Senior High School will present "Shrek the Musical" as its spring production. Performances will take place on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, March 1, at 2 and 7 p.m.

"Shrek" tells the story of a green ogre who longs to live in solitude in his swamp. However, his life is interrupted by an invasion of fairy tale characters who were all banned from their kingdom by the evil Lord Farquaad. Shrek cuts a deal with Farquaad to get his swamp back by rescuing Fiona, whom Farquaad wants as his bride. Shrek is helped along the way by the talkative Donkey.

However, after rescuing Fiona Shrek finds out that he and the princess have something in common, which bonds them together. The themes of the play include never judging someone by their looks and the importance of following your heart.

At Octorara, the musical stars Declan Lomboy as Shrek, Eva Elboubrki as Donkey, Blake Beahm as Farquaad and Elizabeth Murphy as Fiona.

"Shrek the Musical" is based on the Oscar-winning animated film "Shrek," which was released in 2001. The Broadway musical premiered in 2008. It was nominated for eight Tony Awards and won one for Best Costume Design. While the plot of the play is based on the movie, the Broadway version features additional songs.

Students were encouraged to watch the Broadway musical, which was available on streaming sites, prior to auditioning. "Before auditions, we asked them to watch the musical in order to get an idea of the characters and the songs that they would be singing," said director K.C. Testerman. "We wanted them to move away from the movie, because (it differs from the musical). We encouraged them to watch the actual Broadway production."

Declan noted that he watched the musical several times before his audition. "(Declan) actually auditioned with the accent - a Scottish brogue," noted Testerman. "He was the only one who auditioned with the accent."

When asked what the most challenging aspects of starring in the production are, Eva stated, "Learning the music and the (choreography) together and building a connection with other cast members on stage."

"Following stage directions and saying lines (at the same) time," added Elizabeth.

"For me, the accent and having confidence on stage," replied Declan, who has starred in previous plays at Octorara. He was Daddy Warbucks in last year's performance of "Annie" and played Uncle Henry in "The Wizard of Oz."

"Shrek the Musical" will feature live music performed by a pit band, consisting of Octorara students as well as community members.

The production has a large cast, which includes elementary school students from the Octorara Primary Learning Center. "We also have littles - fifth- and sixth-graders from Octorara," said Testerman. "I started directing here with 'The Wizard of Oz,' (and we used) littles that year as Munchkins. Most of them do the (choreography), but two or three spin around on stage, and that is cute, too. Last year, we did 'Annie,' and we brought in some littles as orphans."

She said that high school theater productions should utilize as many students as possible in both the cast and crew. The shows should also be family-friendly. "It's really important to choose something that is familiar," said Testerman, who chose the musical along with Octorara music teacher Joe Lynch. "We also feel that community members will come because they have kids who want to see Shrek, and they know the story. We want to have big cast and get as many kids involved as possible."

Testerman pointed out that participating in a show also brings together students who may not interact during a regular school day. "Theater becomes a family. We spend so much time together," she said, adding that parents are also involved in the production, as well as teachers, who help with music, costuming and building sets. "It is a community family function at Octorara."

She added that what makes "Shrek" so appealing are the large musical numbers. "It's fun, and there is a lot of movement and enjoyment," she said. "The choreography, done by Nicole Norton, has been excellent. (Plus), there are so many songs."

Octorara Junior-Senior High School is located at 228 Highland Road, Atglen. Tickets for the show will be available at the door. There will be separate prices for adults and for students and senior citizens.