An ogre, a donkey, and a princess with a secret are headed to the stage in Pine Plains — along with a cast of more than 50 young performers.
The Stissing Mountain Theatre Guild will present the Tony-nominated musical “Shrek” March 13 through 15 at Stissing Mountain High School. The Broadway adaptation features book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori.
After the success of the animated film, itself inspired by William Steig’s 1999 children’s book, Lindsay-Abaire was approached about bringing the story to the stage. What drew him to the project, he said, was “that giant heart of that character that saw himself one way and the world told him he was something else, and he had to learn ‘I deserve love.’”
Tesori said the show’s message remains simple and resonant: “In its simplest form, ‘Shrek’ is about staying in a conversation with someone who looks different from you and finding out they’re not who you thought they are — especially people you’re inclined to run away from.”
For Pine Plains native Alec Sisco, that message made it a natural fit for a student cast spanning multiple age groups. Sisco is directing the production while also serving as music director, a role he has frequently held for Theatre Guild musicals at the high school and at Sharon Playhouse.
“It’s a great play for middle and high school students because there are no age, gender, or size restrictions” for characters, Sisco said.
Sisco, who began performing with the Theatre Guild as a child, said the musical “has a great inclusive message of looking for inner beauty and appreciating who people are on the inside.” He added that he “included younger performers because that’s how I got started — as a second grader in a Theatre Guild production. I want to foster young people who are interested in theatre.”
The large chorus includes fifth- and sixth-graders alongside middle and high school students. “It’s a perfect message for middle and high school students to hear,” Sisco said.
Taking on the director’s role marked a shift for Sisco. “I wanted to take on more of a leadership role. I have a long history with the Theatre Guild,” he said. “It was odd at first that I was making all of the decisions,” he added. “But it’s a nice way to flex creative muscles and a fun challenge.”
One practical hurdle has been coordinating rehearsals for 56 students, many of whom balance sports and other extracurricular commitments.
Students said they have welcomed Sisco’s leadership. Lee Griffin, a senior who plays Donkey, described the part as requiring “a lot of physical comedy” and said working with Sisco “is great. He’s very organized. Creative. Good at communicating his ideas.”
James Griffin, who plays Shrek, said he “has to convey emotion physically in a padded costume.”
Eliza Baden, who plays Fiona, called it “a fun role. She has a lot of mood swings which is fun to play into.” Baden said her commitment to the character includes dying her hair. “I’ll be ginger for a while,” she said.
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. March 13 and 14 and 2 p.m. March 15 at Stissing Mountain Junior and Senior High School. Tickets are available online at SeatYourself and at the box office.