Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  The Nederland Middle Senior High School theater program has a guaranteed successful future in the next, at least, six years. When a large group of sixth, seventh and eighth graders can clamber onstage and perform like they did last weekend in Shrek, Jr. the Musical, anything is possible.

A sold out crowd of families packed the NMSHS stage on Thursday night and Saturday afternoon, delighting the kids and amazing the parents. Some of them walked away saying they had no idea their children were so talented.

Talented, yes, but perhaps the most impressive part of the performance was the poise and confidence which the leads, and the rest of the cast, exhibited on stage. They were nervous pre-adolescents, struggling to come up with the lines, they knew what they were doing and they did it with gusto and pizzazz.

Shrek’s story is filled with compassion, lessons on diversity, breaking through communication barriers and forgiveness. These qualities shine through the frolicking and rollicking choreography and songs, the quips that had adults rolling in the aisles and the reach of gathering Disney characters looking to Shrek for leadership.

The leads of the show took the stage as if they were seasoned thespians. Jamie Lammers in the title role, became Shrek, with the Scottish accent, the humble hunch, the self-effacing humor and the righteous indignation. His endearing attempts at romance put the audience in the palm of his hands. Lammers has been in many choirs and performances, but this role gave him a chance to show what he is capable of and what the future holds for him.

Princess Fiona was played by Marguerite Bradley who shed her middle school student demeanor and morphed into an impetuous, witty and hard-headed, but vulnerable, young woman. Bradley is brilliant in her sudden mood shifts and the royal way in which she protects herself.

The show stealer is Ellie Brewer as the Donkey, the meddler, the wise guy, the matchmaker, the member of the cast who is always on, always bursting with the need to tell someone something, and filled with an intense energy that crackles every minute she is on stage. Wow. Who knew. Brewer takes on the audience, looks at them straight on and gives them what they want in a performance.

Probably the most ill-favored part in the show was that of Lord Farquaad, played by Skye Ondorff-Keller, who portrayed the sawed off villain, on his knees for all his scenes.

The fairy tale cast players, all of the epics, the witch, Peter Pan, Pinnochio, the bears, the knights, the rats and the chorus stepped into their parts like this was their 20th performance, so at ease were they, so funny and just plain fun. One left the theater feeling young at heart, a bit silly and like it might be a good time to fall in love.

The performance was augmented by the robust sets, the intricate and detailed costumes and the creative make-up. Every scene was a visual treat.

If you have children, take them to the show next weekend, on Saturday, April 16, at 1 p.m. for the final matinee show.

If you don’t have children, go anyway, take a neighbor, bring a senior citizen, leave the dogs at home and relax and join the fun.