Today4U Productions Presents Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the Book by William Steig   Book and Lyrics by Music by DAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE JEANINE TESORI Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions   Original Production Directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford. “I’m a Believer” by Neil Diamond

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited

Shrek The Musical JR. Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com

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Message from Today 4U Productions

Today 4U Productions is proud to present its production of Shrek Jr.

Shrek the Musical Jr. is a fun, fast-paced adaptation of the full-length Broadway show, designed especially for young performers and audiences. Packed with humor, heart, and a powerful message about embracing who you are, the show follows Shrek, an unlikely hero, on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona and discover the value of friendship, love, and self-acceptance. With lively music, colorful characters, and plenty of laughs, Shrek Jr. empowers kids to take the stage with confidence and reminds everyone that it's okay to be different—and that sometimes, the most unexpected heroes come in the unlikeliest of forms. It's a joyful celebration of individuality and community that leaves both performers and audiences smiling.

It has been a wonderful 4 months with this cast and Today 4U Productions is so proud of their dedication, hard work and talent.

About Today 4U Productions

Today 4U Productions brings together four theatre enthusiasts to create an incredible youth theatre company. We are dedicated to providing kids with an exciting and rewarding experience in the performing arts. Our program is designed to introduce young people to the world of theatre and help them develop their talents and abilities in an encouraging and supportive environment.

Through rehearsals, and a fully produced show, we strive to bring out the very best in each of our participants. We believe that each young person has the potential to become a confident and creative performer. Join us today and see what you can be.

Subscribe to our mailing list and find out what next adventure awaits:  www.today4uproductions.com

Song List

Big Bright Beautiful World
Story Of My Life
What's Up, Duloc? (Part 1)
What's Up, Duloc? (Part 2)
What's Up, Duloc? (Reprise)
I Know It's Today
Travel Song
Forever
This is How a Dream Comes True

Who I'd Be
Morning Person
I Think I Got You Beat
Make a Move
Morning Person (Reprise)
Freak Flag
Big Bright Beautiful World (Reprise)
Finale
I'm a Believer

Meet the Company

Alex Dartsch

Shrek

Alex is thrilled to be playing Shrek in Today4U Productions' "Shrek Jr". Alex has been in 6 shows including playing Horton the Elephant in last year's production of "Seussical Jr." Alex's favourite musical is "Seussical the Musical". Alex wants you to know that "the Fibonacci sequence can be used to roughly convert miles to kilometres".

Aspen Walsh

Fiona

Aspen is thrilled to be playing the part of Fiona. Aspen is in Grade 12. When asked how many shows she's been in, she replied "too many to count!". Aspen's favourite musical is "Something Rotten". She wants to thank her mum and Lucy!

Mia Berger-Lansdell

Donkey

Mia is delighted to be playing Donkey in this production of "Shrek Jr." Mia is not stranger to the stage having been in 14 shows. Her favourite musicals are: "Wicked", "Phantom of the Opera", "Beetlejuice", and anything Disney! Says Mia "I just love any and all musicals!" Mia send lots of love to her supportive family and friends! "Thank you for continuing to support me and my dream!"

Sophie Dartsch

Lord Farquaad

Sophie is in Grade 11 and has been in seven shows - and there will be many more. Her favourite musical are "Wicked" and "A Very Potter Musical". Sophie is so excited to be playing Lord Farquaad. Sophie has asked that you "please cheer as loud as you can for all of Lord Farquaad's songs. HE IS THE KING. Farquaad hopes you enjoy the show"

Julia Dartsch

Dragon

Julia is delighted to be playing the Dragon in "Shrek Jr." She is in Grade 9 and is 15 years old. This is Julia's sixth show. Her favourite musicals are "Wicked", "Jekyll and Hyde", "A Very Potter Musical", and "Hamilton". ROAR!

Hayley Romanyk

Storyteller

Hayley is delighted to be a part of "Shrek Jr." This is Hayley's 14th show. Her favourite musicals are "Matilda" and "Les Miserable". Hayley is also an opera singer!

Eloise Allen

Storyteller

Eloise is thrilled to be a Storyteller. She is 10 years old and in grade 5. Eloise has been in 10 shows. Her favourite musicals are "Newsies", "Six" and Beetlejuice the Musical". Eloise likes to sing , dance and act and has been singing since she was 4 years old.

Maia Dartsch

Storyteller

Maia is delighted to be a Storyteller in "Shrek Jr." This is Maia's 6th show. Her favourite musicals are "Wicked", "Newsies" and "Hamilton". "It has been so much fun performing in this show with my siblings. I've learned so much from being a part of this theatre company and have met so many interesting people and new friends. It has been a wonderful experience.

Thomas Hocken

Captain Of The Guard

Thomas is excited to be playing the Captain of the Guard in "Shrek Jr." He is in Grade 6 and is 11 years old. This is his third show. His favourite musical is "Come From Away" and Thomas likes pizza.

Isabel Dartsch

Gingy

This is Isabel's sixth show. She is 11 years old and is in grade 6. Her favourte musicals are "Six", "Heathers" and "Something Rotten". She hopes you enjoy the show.

Mabel Harmatuk

Pinocchio

Mabel is truly excited to be playing Pinocchio in "Shrek Jr." She is 14 years old and in Grade 8. Mabel has been in "a lot" of shows. Her favourite musical is "Dear Evan Hansen". Mabel wants to remind you that "I'm not a puppet, I'm a real boy!!!!"

Leighton Mernagh

Wicked Witch

Leighton loves playing the Wicked Witch in "Shrek Jr." She is 6 years old and is in Grade 1. This is Leighton's 4th show! Her favourite musical is "Something Rotten".

Josie Nydam

Mama Bear

This is Josie's third show and she is delighted to be playing the Mama Bear in "Shrek Jr." She is in Grade 6 and is 12 years old. Her favourite musical is "The Addams Family" and her favourite colour is pink.

Isla Johnson

Duckling

Isla is thrilled to be playing the Duckling in "Shrek Jr." She is 9 years old and is in Grade 3. This is Isla's fourth show. Her favourite musical is "Shrek". I love's Stitch, her favourite colour is blue and she has a dog named Murphy.

Edison Gray

Peter Pan

Edison is thrilled to be Peter Pan in "Shrek Jr." He is 8 years old and is in Grade 3. Edison has been in 5 shows. His favourite musical is "The Addam's Family". Edison wants to say hi to everyone in the audience.

Henry Nantes

Pig 1

Henry is happy to be playing Pig #1 in "Shrek Jr." He is in Grade 4 and is 9 years old. This is Henry's ninth show. His favourite musical is "School of Rock". Henry loves musical theatre and can't wait for you to see the show.

Ezra Grasley

Pig 2

Ezra is 10 years old and is in Grade 5. He is excited to be part of the Three Pigs in Shrek Jr." This is Ezra's third show. His favourite musical is "Wicked".

Eea Landry

Pig 3

This is Eea's second show. She is happy to be part of the trio of Pigs in "Shrek Jr." Eea is 8 years old and is in Grade 3. This is Eea's second show! Her favourite musical is "Legally Blonde".

Ellie Beaudoin

Red Riding Hood

Eleanor is 13 years old and has been in lots of plays and musicals including Peter Pan (as Tinkerbell) and The Best Christmas Pageant ever (as Gladys). Her favourite musical that she saw on Broadway is "The Great Gatsby: A New Musical" . Ellie wants to thank Meghan, Sue, Karen, Tyler and the cast and crew. 

Evelyn MacIntosh

Grumpy

Evelyn is thrilled to be in "Shrek Jr." She is 8 years old and is in Grade 3. Evelyn has been in three shows. Her favourite musical is "Hamilton". Evelyn wants you all to know that she is "so excited".

Amelie Brown

Big Bad Wolf

Amelie is delighted to be a part of "Shrek Jr." She is in Grade 8 and is 14 years old. This is Amelie's second show. Her favourite musical is "Six". Amelie wants to remind you "Don't diss on my granny dress!"

Bailey Newell

Baby Bear

Bailey is excited to be playing the part of Baby Bear in "Shrek Jr." She is 9 years old and is in Grade 4. This is Bailey's third show. Her favourite musical is "Legally Blonde".

Abigale Brown

White Rabbit

This is Abigale's second show and she is our White Rabbit in "Shrek Jr." She is in Grade 4 and is 9 years old. Her favourite musical is "Seussical".

Lexie MacIntosh

Mad Hatter

Lexie is delighted to be playing the Mad Hatter in "Shrek Jr." She is in Grade 7 and is 12 years old. This is Lexie's second show. Her favourite musical is "Six".

Ollie Darnell

Puss in Boots

Ollie is excited to be a part of "Shrek Jr." playing Puss in Boots. He is 11 years old and is in Grade 5. This is Ollie's fourth show. His favourite musical is "Hamilton".

Rosemary Gale

Sugar Plum Fairy

Rosemary is really excited to be in "Shrek Jr." She is 8 years old and is in grade three. This is Rosemary's third show. Her favourite musical is "Seussical, the Musical".

Olivia Olan

Young Fiona

Olivia is so excited to be in "Shrek Jr." She is 9 years old and is in Grade 3. This is Olivia's 8th show. Her favourite musical is "Seussical"!

Esme Landry

Teen Fiona

This is Esme's fifth show and she is thrilled be playing Teen Fiona in this production of Shrek Jr." She is 12 years old and is in Grade 6. Her favourite musical is "Legally Blonde".

Ainsley Savoie

Mama Ogre

Ainsley is delighted to be in "Shrek Jr." She is 13 years old and in Grade 8. This is Ainsley's third show. Ainsely's favourite musical is "Seussical, the Musical".

Stella Darnell

Papa Ogre

Stella is so happy to be a part of the cast of "Shrek Jr." She is 13 years old and in Grade 8. Stella has been in 3 shows and her favourite musical is "Beetlejuice The Musical".

Garret McKeown

Pied Piper

Garret is so excited to be a part of "Shrek Jr." He is in Grade 6 and is 12 years old. His favourite musical is Peter Pan Jr. Garrett plays a "sciencey" rocket ship launching game known as Kerbal Space Program.

Aria Martindale

Dragonette

Aria is thrilled to be a part of "Shrek Jr." She is 10 years old and is in Grade 5. This is Aria's third show! Her favourite musical is "Shrek".

Janelle Sutherland

Dragonette

Janelle is truly excited to be in "Shrek Jr." She is in Grade 7 and is 12 years old. This is Janelle's second show. Her favourite musical is "Shrek".

Willow Newell

Dragonette

Willow is thrilled to be in "Shrek Jr." She is in Grade 5 and is 10 years old. This is Willow's fourth show. Her favourite musical is "The Lion King".

Alessa Huisman

Dragonette

Alessa is delighted to be in "Shrek Jr." She is in Grade 6 and is 11 years old. This is Alessa's fifth show. Her favourite musical is "Annie".

Olive Kerrigan

Dragonette

Olive is delighted to be dancing and singing in "Shrek Jr." She is in Grade 6 and is 11 years old. This is Olive's third show. Her favourite musical is "Hamilton". Olive plays the trumpet and use to play the ukulele.

Hadley Luesink

Knight

Hadley is excited to be a part of "Shrek Jr." She is 10 years old and is in Grade 5. Hadley has been in 3 shows before. Her favourite musicals are "The Lion King" and "Six". Hadley hopes to continue to express her love of musical theatre and the arts by participating in more shows.

Keelan Patel

Knight

Keelan is excited to be a part of "Shrek Jr." She is 13 years old and is in Grade 7. This is Keelan's first show! Her favourite musical is "Hamilton".

Keira Martindale

Knight

Keira is so excited to be a part of "Shrek Jr." She is 8 years old and is in Grade 2. This is Keira's first show! Her favourite musical is "Shrek".

Natalie Green

Knight

Natalie is really happy to be a part of "Shrek Jr." She is 9 years old and is in Grade 3. This is Natalie's sixth show! Her favourite musical is "High School Musical".

Wylie Young

Knight

This is Wylie's first show!!!! She is so excited to be in "Shrek Jr." She is in Grade 3 and is 9 years old. Her favourite musical is "Shrek".

Celeste Beaulieu

Guard

This is Celeste's first show. She is so excited to be in "Shrek Jr." Celeste is 11 years old and in Grade 6. Her favourite musical is "Shrek".

Freya Wegner

Guard

Freya is thrilled to be in "Shrek Jr." She is in Grade 2 and is 8 years old. This is Freya's first show. Her favourite musical is "Shrek".

Emsley Nydam

Guard

Emsley is in her first show. She is so excited to be involved with "Shrek Jr." She is in Grade 2 and is 7 years old. Her favourite musical is "Matilda the Musical" and her favourite colour is blue.

Ellie Richardson

Guard

Ellie is delighted to be in "Shrek Jr." She is in Grade 4 and is 9 years old. This is Ellie's first show. Her favourite musical is "Shrek" and her favourite colours are blue and pink.

Karen Allen

Founder / Acting / Music / Set Designer / Costume / Props

Karen Allen is a retired teacher having taught with the Upper Grand District School Board for 35 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, music major, from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. During her years of teaching, she taught English, Math, Music, and Drama to students from K-8. Karen developed a drama/improv programme for her grade 8 students which was acclaimed county wide. Along with directing many school musicals, Karen has been involved in many community theatre productions both as a performer and director. Karen is excited to be a Director of Today 4U Productions and looks forward to its success

Meghan Barron

Founder / Acting / Dance / Social Media / Assistant Stage Manager / Costume / Props

Meghan Barron is a dancer, choreographer, and actor. She holds a specialist degree in Theatre and Drama studies from the University of Toronto Mississauga, as well as an honours diploma in Professional Actor-Training from Sheridan College, as well as a graduate of Second City's Longform conservatory. Meghan has been dancing since the age of 3 in a variety of styles including: ballet, jazz, tap, pointe, hip hop, modern, and musical theatre. Her extensive training includes studies at Ana Marie Oliver School of dance where she studied under the RAD and CDTA curriculum. Meghan has taught dance and musical theatre for over 14 years in various dance studios. Meghan is also an avid choreographer in and around the GTA.

Susan (Sue) Lawrenson

Founder / Music / Music Cue Operator / Props / Costumes

Susan (Sue) Lawrenson is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, with an Honours Bachelor of Music Degree. (Voice). She is passionate about the performing arts and has been an active participant, both on and off stage, for dozens of theatrical productions over the past 37 years. When not on or back stage, Sue is the Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Halton North. In addition to that, she is a contract employee of Algonquin College, facilitating online fundraising courses which are offered throughout the province of Ontario.

Tyler Livingstone

Founder / Production / Stage Manager / Set / Costume / Props

Tyler Livingstone found his love of theatre at a young age, performing in several community theatre productions in elementary school, then progressing to establish his own youth theatre company in high school to create learning opportunities for himself and other young people in his community. Since then he has been active in a variety of roles in community theatre focusing on stage management and set design. He has also utilised his government and business background to implement policies and financial controls at an organisational level.

Steve Allen

Set Builder / Props Builder / Follow Spot Operator / Jack of All Trades

Steve is so excited to be a BIG part of Today 4U Productions. Steve is no stranger to musicals and plays having been involved in several productions both on stage and off stage. "Break a leg to the cast and crew of "Shrek Jr.”

Julie Van Duzen-Nantes

Lighting Designer / Assistant Stage Manager Back Up

Julie is excited to be joining this amazing company! You mostly find her Stage Managing, but she's also proficient at lighting and costume designing. Julie has also found herself as a production coordinator and will be directing her first mainstage musical in the fall. Julie is so proud to see her son, Henry, on stage as one of the Three Pigs. She has also loved having her other son, Eddie, as her very special lighting assistant. Karen, Sue, Meghan and Tyler, thanks for taking me on this journey with you.

Stephen O'Connell

Assistant Stage Manager

Stephen is thrilled to be part of Today 4U Productions. He first appeared in the 1979 production of "Oliver". Stephen wants to thank his friends for their ongoing support.

Jane Martin

Assistant Stage Manager

Jane is so happy to be helping Today 4U Productions. Jane is no stranger to the stage, recently bringing two brilliant characters to life - the Wicked Step Mother in "Cinderella" and The Wicked Witch of the West in "The Wizard of Oz". Jane has been a part of more than 50 productions both on and off stage. Jane has also been a director for many productions including "Matilda", "Annie" and "Joseph".

Bob Brown

Assistant Stage Manager

Even after participating in almost 60 productions, both on and off-stage, with more than 10 different companies, the excitement of working on a show never diminishes! Thanks for being in the audience!

Carrie Murray-Sprague

Assistant Stage Manager

Carrie has enjoyed working with the exceptional crew with Today 4U Productions all of whom she has worked with on several productions. She is also thrilled to work with this amazing cast of youth performers. She is thankful to her family for allowing her to be a part of this crazy theatre family.

Sheila Todd

Sound Designer

Sheila has been involved in musical theatre both on and off stage for many productions. She is so happy to support her friends in Today 4U - both those who are onstage and backstage. Break a leg!

Brenden Mernagh

Company Photographer

Brenden has been involved in several musicals and theatre productions, most recently playing Lionel in "Cinderella" and Chef Louis in “Little Mermaid”. Brenden is thrilled to be working with his wife Meghan and daughter Leighton. "Best of luck Today 4U Productions".

Kimberley Powell

Scenic Artist

Kimberley joined "Seussical Jr". as the Scenic Artist and has continued with T4U through “Shrek Jr.” This is Kimberley's 2nd show. She is so happy to be able to use her artistic talents to help Youth Theatre and Today 4U Productions.

Meeghan Nolasco

Follow Spot Operator

Meeghan is excited to be working on "Shrek Jr." It has been fun working with old friends, and making new ones. Break a leg to all cast and crew.

Nicole Renee Sawrantschuk

Hair and Makeup

Nicole Renee Sawrantschuk is a student in English and theatre studies major, as well as a studio art minor. Other than theatre, Nicole is passionate about equestrian, fashion, makeup , animals, and wood shop. Recent credits include Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors”, a Mersister in “Little Mermaid”,an Angel in "Kinky Boots", dance ensemble in "Cinderella", Savannah in "Freaky Friday" and Young Republicanette and Heather Chandler understudy in "Heathers"

Nicola Walsh

Specialty Props

Nicola is so excited to be working on specialty props with Today 4U Productions and we are thrilled that she has agreed to lend her incredible talents to this production. Break a leg to the cast and crew of “Shrek Jr.” and a special shout out to Aspen.

Upcoming Events

Putting on a show takes as many people off stage as it does on stage.  Thank you to the following:

Melissa Gray, Colleen Beaudoin, Esme Stewart, Elijah Glasgow, Carol Savoie, Delaine Chiavatti, Jennifer Luesink, Scott Grasley, Alex Dunat, Jessica Epp-Martindale, Patel Family, Paige and Family, Allison and Family, Ruth VanLoom, Brock Johnson, Sheila Olen, Amber Allen, Jodi Hocken, Yvonne Hamelin, Julia Dartsch, Alex Dartsch, Sophie Dartsch, Maia Dartsch, Isabel Dartsch, Hayley Romanyk, Ishani Sanyal, Ellie Tindale, Dave Horner, Anthony Brown, Sue McGuiness, Lawrence Mernagh, Jim Hoare, Sandra Conway, Alexandra Mussar, Steven Young, Adam Lawrenson-Chaudhry, Robyn Hopkins, Sheila Douglas, Gary Roche, Cristin Stephens-Wegner, Naz Chaudhry, Jennifer Harrison, Sam Sahadeo, Anna Macmillan, Danielle Kemp, The Hive-Arts Collective, Guelph Little Theatre, Royal City Musical Productions Inc.

And a big thank you to the Guelph Arts Council for our Micro-Grant!

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