For Garden Spot Performing Arts (GSPA) director Josh Martin, choosing to stage "Shrek" - the full Broadway musical version - for the Garden Spot High School (GSHS) spring show has meant handing the cast of nearly 30 a familiar story with characters they recognize. "This was our best read-through in a very long time," said Josh of the initial rehearsals for the show. "They know what Shrek is supposed to sound like and what Donkey is supposed to sound like, and they understand the humor."

"Shrek the Musical," adapted from the 2001 animated film "Shrek," will play in the Stan Deen Auditorium at GSHS, 669 E. Main St., New Holland, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 19, 20, and 21. Shows on April 19 and 20 will be at 7:30 p.m., and the show on April 21 will begin at 2:30 p.m.

"Shrek" is set in a mythical world populated by fairy tale characters, including Cinderella, the Three Pigs, and Pinocchio. Shrek, a curmudgeonly ogre, enjoys the sanctuary of his peaceful lair deep in the swamp. Unfortunately for Shrek, played by Luke Canales, a group of fantastical characters who have been displaced from their homes by the cruel Lord Farquaad, played by Brandon Herman, interrupts his solitude, and he reluctantly agrees to take on Farquaad in a quest to reclaim their homes. Accompanied by the annoying Donkey, played by Caleb Stefan, Shrek embarks on a mission that takes him to faraway lands, where he encounters multiple magical creatures and meets a mysterious princess named Fiona, played by Morgan Watt. According to Josh, the story follows the movie closely.

Josh said that he chose "Shrek" to challenge the imaginations of his actors and actresses. "I thought rather than trying to do stereotypical romantic lead, leading lady, ingenue, and heartthrob, let's try something to really make them think creatively and be someone totally different," he said, adding that the students are enjoying the fun of that.

With about 20 musical numbers, producing the show will challenge students' voices, as well. " 'Big, Bright, Beautiful World' in the beginning is a big number," shared Josh, who noted that the Pinocchio character is featured in a big song and dance number called "Story of My Life" that explains how the fairy tale creatures got to be where they are in the swamp. "I love the song when we meet Princess Fiona," Josh stated. "It's called 'I Know It's Today.'" Josh explained that three different actresses will play Fiona at three different stages in her life. "She morphs from 8 years old to a young teen to a young adult," he said. The big finale includes "I'm a Believer," which audiences should recognize from the movie.

Josh added that the back stories for both Shrek and Fiona are enhanced in the show. "They explain how they came to be living solitary lives - Shrek in the swamp and Fiona in the tower," he said. "They gave a back story to Lord Farquaad and why he is a perfectionist with a Napoleon complex, and it is cleverly done."

According to Josh, one of the final songs contains a phrase that sums up one of the messages of the show. " 'What makes us special makes us strong,'" he quoted. "(It's saying) what makes us unique adds flavor, color, and dimension to the world we live in. Rather than hiding from that, embrace it."

Along with Alida Gauthier as the Dragon, additional members of the cast are Lila Albertson, Roxanne Avril, Spencer Babb, Annie Basehore, Timothy Duran, Lilly Emch, Caleb Gill, Kayla Gitke, Andrew Herman, Katie Hoffman, Kassie Leid, Otto Loose, Ashton Martin, Emma Oswald, Briana Remlinger, Emma Rohrbaugh, Ryli Rutt, Cara Stoltzfus, Alyssa Swatski, Mikaila Whenry, and Jenna Zueno.

Tickets for the show may be purchased at http://gspa.seatyourself.biz or by calling 717-354-1584.