There’s an Oscars buzz every year around this time and that’s not lost on the budding actors and actresses at Melvin H. Kreps Middle School in East Windsor., Last year, the students did a production of “Peter Pan Jr.” that their teacher and school production musical director Gabriella Salvemini deemed a success., And the students are hard at work again this year working on the production of “Shrek the Musical Jr.,” which is scheduled to be performed Feb. 9, 10 and 11 at 3 p..m. each day in the school auditorium., ”Shrek is such a fun show and has a great message: To be yourself and celebrate our differences,” said Ms. Salvemini. “I thought this was an important theme for students to be exposed to. I have been so lucky to work with another wonderful cast and crew this year. The support of my musical staff has been exceptional and it is entirely a team effort. The students are having fun rehearsing our show and we can’t wait to show it off at our performances.”, Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and Broadway musical, “Shrek The Musical Jr.” is the story of a cast of fairytale misfits who through friendship and adventure learn that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The powerful message of the show is acceptance and celebrating your differences., “The cast and crew have worked very hard on this production,” said Ms. Salvemini., The show’s cats includes: Shrek is played by Ezekiel Fraiser; Princess Fiona is played by Lara Koppel; Donkey is played by Justin Ford; Lord Farquaad is played by Emma Behrens; Dragon is played by Maddie Strickland., In addition to Ms. Salvemini serving as musical director, the assistant director is Meghan King; music director is Jeron Stephens; set/stage crew director is Amy Kirchmer; and costume designer is Elissa Graga with help from Barbara Paolillo., Tickets are $5 for students and seniors and $10 adults and can be purchased at the school.
