Everyone's Favorite Green Ogre to Return to UD Summer Stage in SHREK THE MUSICAL JR.

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks animated film and Broadway musical, "Shrek The Musical Jr." brings our favorite green ogre Shrek, with his trusty steed Donkey, to Upper Darby Summer Stage. "Shrek Jr." features catchy, toe-tapping songs, intricate dance numbers, wacky fairytale creatures, and of course a dragon!

Performances are July 19, 20 and 21 at 10:30 am and on July 20 at 7:30 pm at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center.

Upper Darby Summer Stage will transform into Shrek's muddy swamp and Lord Farquaad's wacky world Duloc for its third show this season. When Shrek (Joe Matthews of Havertown) finds his swamp invaded by fairytale creatures displaced by the short-tempered Farquaad (Tom Geiger of Clifton Heights), Shrek sets on a journey to help them go home. Accompanying Shrek on his journey is a wisecracking donkey (Kenneth Turner of Upper Darby). Together they confront Farquaad and are told if Shrek rescues the feisty Princess Fiona (Michaela Henry of Springfield) from her tower, his swamp will be righted. In true fairytale fashion, Shrek tries to win Fiona's heart and vanquish Lord Farquaad while learning how to truly accept himself. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, "Shrek Jr." is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.

Tickets are affordably priced at $8-$12 and members of The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center save $1. Tickets may be purchased at udpac.org or by calling the box office at 610.622.1189. The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center is located at 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, minutes from the Main Line and Center City.

"Shrek The Musical Jr." assistant choreographer Rachel Walker speaks about the powerful message of the musical. "People should come see "Shrek Jr." because it's a show about embracing the things that make you different from everyone else," said Walker. "Like the catchy song "Freak Flag" says, "What makes us special makes us strong!"

The performance is approximately 60 minutes with no intermission. Parking is free. The show is recommended for ages four and up with free babysitting in the lobby offered for those who may be too young to sit quietly through the entire show.

A Summer Stage show is a unique experience for all ages. Prior to the children's performances young audience members can enjoy pre-show activities and a meet-and-greet with characters after each show. Autographs and pictures are encouraged!

For more information about "Shrek The Musical Jr." and Upper Darby Summer Stage's 42nd season visit udpac.org.

The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center and Upper Darby Summer Stage are jointly sponsored by Upper Darby Township Mayor and Council and the Upper Darby School District Board of School Directors through the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services.

Upper Darby Summer Stage celebrates 42 seasons empowering young people and entertaining families. Each season the program presents six dynamic Children's Theater productions and one professional caliber Mainstage production.

Summer Stage offers programs for students beginning at age 11 in the Apprentice Program and has participants up to age 28 in the Mainstage productions. Programs available include the Apprentice Program (11-12 yrs.), Rising Stars (12-13 yrs.), Children's Theater (14-17 yrs.), and Mainstage (18-28 yrs.). Summer Stage also offers an outstanding technical theater program for students ages 14 to 18.

Upper Darby Summer Stage is not only a great place to see a spectacular show, but also a great place for students to grow as artists and as people! Visit udpac.org for more information.

Pictured: Tom Geiger of Clifton Heights as Lord Farquaad, Joe Matthews of Havertown as Shrek, Kenneth Turner of Upper Darby as Donkey, and Michaela Henry of Springfield as Princess Fiona. Photo by Cate R. Paxson.

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