Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  There’s nobody that doesn’t love the large, awkward, bulbous ogre who has become the icon of shy kindness and gentle heroism. Shrek, the large, yellow-green, funny-eared star and Fiona, a fiery, beautiful princess, will take the Nederland Middle School stage next weekend with a rollicking tale of rescue and avenge, love and humor in Shrek Junior, the Musical.

Performances will take place on Thursday, April 7th at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 9, at 1 p.m. and Saturday, April 16 at 1 p.m. The matinees are offered so all the town kids have a chance to join in the fun.

This is a first for the middle school. Two years ago, there were two separate performances of two different shows by the middle school and high school, but some of the kids were cast in both musicals. This year the middle school students claim their own stage for Shrek and actors who have been in the background heretofore take on lead roles, and get their own shining moment.

Director Josh Lake says it has been a challenge keeping track of the sets and the props that are being used in same weekend performances as the high school’s production of Music in a New World, which involves a small cast, but offers huge musical numbers.

On Monday afternoon, the cast of Shrek, Jr. went through a full rehearsal with most costumes intact and most of the lines and songs and dances ready to go, even after the spring break. There were a couple of tails found on the stage floor and some rearranging of the Ogre hats so the actors could speak; some smoothing of tutus and plumping of the padding.

The plot involves the beloved ogre, Shrek, who finds various fairytale misfits camped out in his swamp home. The characters had been banished by Lord Farquaad, a small, but terrifying bully. When Shrek sets off to deal with Farquaad he is presented a challenge: He must rescue the feisty princess Fiona. He sets off with Donkey, his loyal, wisecracking partner.

Character roles are limited only by the imagination and creativity of the actors who are more than eager to stretch themselves as they share the spotlight. It is a perfect musical for the sixth, seventh and eighth grade thespians, many of whom are no strangers to the NMSHS stage.

Three Storytellers bring the audience up to speed in the plot: Meagan Figgins, Hadley Zotti and Julia Gielcold. Mama, Papa and Little Ogre are played by Alexandra Berumen-Gonzalez, Townes Bakke and Ella Mueller. Townes also plays the Captain of the Guard.  Shrek is played be Jamie Lammers; Pinnochio by Bay Morrish; the Big Bad Wolf by amish Kaufman; Pig 1, 2 and 3 by Charlie Rawlins, Skye Orndorff-Keller and Courtney Horton.

The Wicked Witch is played by Alexandra Berumen-Gonzalez; Peter Pan by Rowan Harper; Ugly Duckling by Paul Masters, Mama, Papa and Baby Bear by Hadley Zotti, Maya Beauvineau and Sara Feeley; Donkey by Ellie Brewer; Lord Farquaad by Sky Orndorff-Keller; Gingy by Charlie Rawlins; Young Fiona by Meagan Figgins; Teen Fiona by Julia Gielcold and Princess Fiona by Maguerite Bradley; Puss in Boots by Sara Feeley; Knights 1, 2 and 3 by Paul Masters, Rowan Harper and Bay Morrish; Dragon by Maya Beauvineau; Pied Piper by Amiah Kaufman; Bishop by Courtney Horton; Dwarf by Charlie Rawlins and rooster by Lauren Merz.

Shrek, Jr. is a rollicking, adventure story, with “Awwww,” moments and hilarity. The children will be in awe of what their friends,neighbors and siblings are capable of and parents are sure to be bursting with pride as well as being entertained by the amazing performances of young actors.

Directors Liz Evans, Kathy Bremers and Josh Lake are tying up the loose pieces and polishing the moves on stage as the cast prepares for opening night, just one week away.

Tickets are $8.50, Students, $5 and seniors are free.