Sandpoint is overflowing with youthful theatrical talent. The casting panel for “Shrek the Musical” really had some hard choices to make after two open auditions for the play, which will be performed in mid-April this year. With over 120 performers ages 8-18 giving excellent auditions, the panel worked late into the night on their casting decisions.

Parents attending the auditions with their children were impressed by the comradery and encouragement all the young people expressed with one another. Regardless of the outcome, the audition process was felt to be a supportive environment and a great learning experience by parents and children alike. The excitement in the auditorium was palpable and infectious.

With such a strong cast, “Shrek” promises to be a great show. Laughter abounds with Burton Anderson cast as the ogre Shrek, Jasmine Mearns as the strong-willed Princess Fiona, and Devin Fredericks as Donkey, everyone’s favorite wise-cracking sidekick. The fun continues with Zane Rasor as the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad, Emma Riach as the excitable Gingy and Tyler McNamee as the prevaricating Pinocchio.

With no end of vocal talent in this cast, audiences will enjoy each character from the leads to the every one of the important supporting roles. The full cast list is posted on the Growing Dreams Productions, Inc., Facebook Page.

The cast features 60 local youth plus about 20 additional youth working on prop and set building, as well as running things behind the scenes. “Shrek the Musical” is a complex collaborative of youthful energy and talent guided by a group of veterans: director Jeannie Hunter, music director Jon Brownell, choreographer Becky Lucas and costumer Angie Aller. Student leadership comes from Skyra Schendel as stage manager and Allison Kinnard as assistant director. Many adult volunteer hours also are vital to this show.

“Shrek the Musical” will take the stage at the Sandpoint High School Vinishnek Auditorium on April 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21, 2018. There will be two shows on Saturday, April 14. The family show matinee will begin at 2 p.m. and all other shows will begin at 7 p.m.

Growing Dreams Productions, Inc., along with the cast and crew, would like to thank a few of our sponsors including Litehouse, The Pottery Bug and King Adventures for their generosity in supporting youth theater in Bonner County, helping to make this dream a reality. “Shrek the Muscial” has a budget of over $20,000, with professional props and make-up, as well as rights to the script and music included.