In 2001, when most of us were still figuring out how to read, an animated movie starring a grumpy, green ogre, a smart-mouthed donkey, and a princess with a secret hit the silver screen. A writer and director team began thinking about a musical adaptation in 2002, and after years of work, the show premiered in Seattle in 2008 and ran for two more years on Broadway from 2008-2010.

Yes, you know it and you love it: it is “Shrek”!

“Shrek: The Musical” possesses the same sarcastic humor and quirky spins on classic fairy tales as its movie counterpart. From June 13-15, the show arrives on the Main Line, courtesy of Wynnewood’s Wolf Performing Arts Center and the cast of 70 adults and students from multiple local schools, among which are three from Harriton.

After Wolf PAC held auditions in February, Marcel Werder, junior, and Coby Levit and Victoria Alfred-Levow, sophomores, readied themselves for the months of rehearsing. When the curtain rises, Coby will tear up the scenery as a surprising reimagining of the Big Bad Wolf as a cross-dresser, Victoria will show off a Russian accent as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Marcel will steal the show with his irresistable performance as Donkey. Each of the three has experience with both HTC and Wolf PAC.

“This show is great because it is so high-energy, and even looking past all of the hilarious jokes and ridiculous characters, there really is a wonderful message: to be yourself,” said Marcel. His particular challenge in “Shrek” is to adjust to playing a comedic character, an area he does not explore often.  His most recent HTC role was Jesus in Godspell, a truly dramatic role. As bold, self-confident Donkey, Marcel must “find the balance between performing the comedic aspects of the show while also making the character seem real.“

Coby’s role is also a step away from typecasting. “Historically, I have taken on more paternal roles, because in high school, there aren’t as many male actors and I just happen to look and sound older, so this type of role is totally new to me and that rocks!” he said enthusiastically. After studying the Big Bad Wolf’s motivations and playing around with voices to match the character (he is still searching for the perfect tone!), Coby is looking forward to playing the furry transvestite and making the audience laugh.

As the Sugar Plum Fairy, Victoria has challenges and excitements of her own: the character is from The Nutcracker and requires a Russian accent, and Victoria has background in neither dance nor Russian. “Ms. Cambria [Harriton Latin teacher, originally from Russia] has offered to help me out and they hired a dialect coach, so that has been really cool. It feels weird to talk in accent but really great when people laugh! As for the dancing, I’ll just try not to trip,” she said. She is very excited to bring her accent and the magic and ridiculousness of “Shrek” to the stage.

The three Harriton performers are ready for a stellar show – are you? “Shrek: The Musical” will play two evening shows and two matinees June 13-15. Do not shy away from attending a two-hour show the weekend before finals: with some advance planning, you can relax and enjoy a vibrant and goofy performance before knuckling down for testing. After all, if an annoying, too-talkative donkey can melt a nasty ogre’s heart, if a ragtag mob of fairy tale creatures can beat an evil lord, and if Coby, Victoria, and Marcel can give up countless hours of their nights to help out with a magical show, you can definitely ace that English final.

“Shrek: The Musical” will run on Friday, June 13 at 7:30 PM, Saturday the 14th at 2 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sunday the 15th at 2 PM., at Bluett Theater, St. Joseph’s University, N. 56^th Street and Overbrook Avenue, Philadelphia, 19131. Tickets are now on sale at https://wolfperformingartscenter.secure.force.com/ticket, $12 for students and $18 for adults.