Nearly 100 students helped create the production, with 70 performers bringing the beloved ogre’s story to the stage.
Nasty will be nice and Ann Arbor will be “ogre-the-moon” when Tappan Middle School students present their production of Shrek The Musical JR. April 17–19, 2026.
The family-friendly musical comedy follows the adventures of an ogre named Shrek who sets out on a quest to rescue a princess from a dragon. Along the way, he discovers that the greatest challenge isn’t the dragon at all—it’s learning to believe in himself and open his heart to others.
The Tappan Players, a partnership between Tappan Middle School’s Theater Department and the Tappan PTSO, will present Shrek The Musical JR. on Friday, April 17 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 18 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. in the Tappan Middle School Auditorium, 2251 E. Stadium Blvd.
Tickets are $13 and may be purchased online at https://cur8.com/40463/project/137682.
The production is directed by Julie Strassel, theater teacher at Tappan Middle School.
“This year, Tappan Players has become more student-centered than ever,” Strassel said. “Nearly 100 eighth graders enrolled in a new co-taught course called Theater Workshop, where they designed and created props, costumes, and set pieces. In addition, 25 students joined our new Tappan Players Leadership Advisory, meeting daily to support the production.”
Students have taken on major creative roles throughout the show. Two students choreographed the dances, another assisted the music director, and three student stage managers will run the performances. Nearly 70 students will appear on stage.
“Together, they bring Shrek’s important story to life—about believing in yourself and embracing what makes you unique,” Strassel said.
With music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, Shrek The Musical is based on the Oscar-winning Shrek and the book Shrek! by William Steig.
The original Broadway production starred Brian d’Arcy James as Shrek and Sutton Foster as Fiona. It ran for 12 months and received 12 Drama Desk Awards nominations and eight Tony Awards nominations, including Best Musical.
Shrek The Musical JR. is a version adapted for student performers by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.
Shrek The Musical JR. is presented through a special arrangement with Music
Theatre International (MTI).
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