Jul 25, 2018 2 min read

Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy will wrap up its 2018 summer theater experience for young performers with a fully-staged production of “Shrek the Musical Jr.” at 4 p.m. Saturday in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre on the California University of Pennsylvania campus.

Hosted by Cal U.’s Department of Music and Theatre, the academy, now in its 21st year, gives students ages 8-17 an opportunity to study musical theater. After acting, voice and dance classes, technical theater learning and rehearsals, students present a musical complete with stage sets, costumes and props.

Nearly 40 MVPs – Mon Valley Performers – are participating in this year’s academy, which began July 16. Students study and rehearse from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

“Selecting a show for Summer Experience is always a challenge as we want a show that has lots of roles, flexible casting opportunities, and is family-friendly,” said Dr. Michele Pagen, the academy’s director and co-chair of the Music and Theatre Department. “I have been waiting to do Shrek Jr. for quite some time, as it fits our casting desires.’

The plot has the ogre Shrek leading a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance.

“It’s not easy to bring iconic characters to life – and to create a swamp,” Pagen said. “Most importantly, though, is that we wanted a show that local families can enjoy together. Shrek Jr. totally fit that bill and we are looking forward to letting our ‘freak flags fly’ with young and old.”

Current Cal U. students involved in the production include Betty Kline as production stage manager, and Kacie Kubitza, Jeromy Mackey, Garrett Smyth and Marissa Sorenson as counselors. Recent graduate Kayla Grimm taught acting classes.

The Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, the same organization that has accredited Cal U.’s Bachelor of Arts in Theatre program since 2005.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children and may be purchased at the door. To order tickets in advance, leave a message at 724-938-4220.