Whether you’re a noble steed or just swamp-curious, come find your happily ever after ... Far Far Away. The 70-strong cast and crew at St Augustine’s College are ready to bring Shrek Jr to the Kyabram Plaza Theatre on September 11 to 12.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
None of the 70-strong cast and crew of St Augustine’s College musical production were born when Shrek came out in cinemas worldwide on June 21, 2001.
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Now 24 years later, the crew are well-underway with rehearsals for the film’s (kid-friendly) musical counterpart, Shrek Jr, which is set to take over the Kyabram Plaza Theatre from September 11 to 12.
For newcomers to the musical, prepare for a laughter-packed, high-energy adventure with catchy tunes that perfectly capture the original's cheeky humour.
Chloe Grant has returned for another year of directing following a successful stint for Frozen Jr in 2024.
She explained that Shrek Jr was the perfect choice for this year, offering diverse roles for students of all ages and celebrating a story that resonates across generations.
“We have a lot of young people this year, and Shrek caters well to that age group … Shrek is for everyone,” she said.
Lily Murray, Guneet Buttar and Maddison Reid will play the main trio - Princess Fiona, Shrek and Donkey respectively.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
She’s looking forward to the audience watching numbers like I Think I Got You Beat and the Duloc scenes, but most importantly, was excited to give kids an outlet to express themselves.
“I think for these guys, the performing art in general is something that’s a little under-represented – especially in Kyabram,” Ms Grant said.
“I think, especially for the ones who have come back time and time again, it’s just supporting their interest in arts.”
Many cast members have returned from last year’s Frozen Jr production, including the two leads for this year.
Guneet Buttar and Lily Murray were chosen to play the bickering soon-to-be married couple Shrek and Princess Fiona as they encounter fairy tale characters and villains in the land of Far Far Away.
The pair is already great friends, making friends through the musical program last year, and are ready to bring that chemistry to the stage as a duo.
Lily Murray, playing Princess Fiona, and Guneet Buttar playing Shrek.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
They said they each found their place through performing arts, preferring singing and dancing on stage to maths and science.
“I have found a sense of belonging here more than other places in school,” Guneet said.
“It’s just about being you, you know? We all support each other; that’s the main part.”
Guneet said she felt right at home when her role was announced.
“I laughed so hard when I first saw my role… like, that’s literally me at home – sometimes I just am Shrek,” she said.
“I was really excited, but kind of nervous, because it had more lines and Frozen Jr was my first musical.”
They both said they had seen the movie when they were younger and had recently studied the musical adaptation by watching it online.
“I wondered if I had to master an Irish accent … because I can’t,” Guneet said.
“I’m just a little nervous now for learning my lines,” Lily said.
“I’m excited for when we get to watch the video (of the musical) back,” she said.
The trio is complete with Maddison Reid, who will play the hilarious four-legged counterpart to Shrek — Donkey.
Donkey’s of past and present meet. Maddison Reid will play Donkey in St Augustine’s production of Shrek Jr and she received tips from past Donkey of Echuca Moama Theatre Company Darcy Elliott.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
At rehearsals, she got some tips and tricks from a past Donkey, Darcy Elliott, who played the character in Echuca Moama Theatre Company’s production of Shrek the Musical in 2023.
Mr Elliott said it felt great to be able to help out with a junior production, and it was good that Kyabram was able to put on a production to inspire young thespians.
“A lot of young people have the passion for theatre, and there’s not always another theatre company close by,” he said.
“It’s a show we’ve done before … so I’m happy to be able to help people out.”
Tickets for Shrek Jr presented by St Augustine’s College are on sale now for $20 per adult and $15 for students and concessions.
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