Just after the fairytale characters in “Shrek the Musical” finished singing “That’s the Story of My Life,” Shrek — played by Robert Johnson — stormed on stage and shouted, “What are you doing in my swamp?”

A few moments later in the scene, a few cast members watching the rehearsal in Riverland Community College’s Frank W. Bridges Theatre snickered as one of the Three Little Pigs declared Lord Farquaad would, “turn us into bratwurst.”

Summerset Theatre is getting ready to kickoff its 49th season with “Shrek the Musical” at 7:30 p.m. on June 21 to 25 with a closing matinee at 2 p.m. June 26 in Frank W. Bridges Theatre.

“Shrek the Musical” is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film. The musical opened on Broadway in 2008 and is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure featuring music from Jeanine Tesori and a book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire.

The musical follows the tale of Shrek, an ogre on a mission to reclaim the deed to his swamp. But he finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside the wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue.

Director John Deyo hopes the story’s popularity will draw large audiences to start Summerset’s season.

“It’s also just a great, great show,” Deyo said. “It’s super fun. It has a great message, it really does.”

Deyo said the show’s message of acceptance and diversity rings even more true after a shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando last weekend left 49 dead.

In “Shrek,” the fairytale characters have been kicked out of their homes and sent to Shrek’s forest, where eventually they realize their diversity and differences make them special.

“That’s what makes them special and unique and strong, and then they sing this great song called ‘Freak Flag’ — ‘Let your freak flag fly,’” Deyo said. “And it really talks about just because you’re different doesn’t mean you can’t be accepted and a powerful person in this world.”

“So it’s a great message of diversity and acceptance, especially for right now,” he added.

The cast

Johnson as Shrek and Mandie Siems as Fiona lead a cast of 33 community members who will act, sing and dance their way through a land of fairytales and castles.

While Johnson is a veteran of numerous Summerset plays, he admits the role of Shrek is unique.

“This is probably the most intensive in terms of costume and makeup and all that,” he said.

He said he’s loved the movie since it came out, but he’s wanted to be a part of the musical for many years too.

Johnson and Siems note the musical follows the beloved film closely, right down to some of the favorite gags and scenes, but the music adds a new element.

Siems says she enjoys playing fiona because of the two sides to the character. Early on, Fiona tries to be the typical Disney-like princess, but she gradually lets her other, secret side show.

“Eventually at the end, there’s the big surprise, so it’s fun to kind of have those two elements — the very pretty princess and we end up burping and farting in once scene,” Siems said with a laugh.

Deyo praised his cast for the work they’ve done getting the show ready, noting the finished product will be top-of-the-line.

“We have the best talent that Austin has to offer showcased here, and this is on par with anything you would go and spend $100 to see in Minneapolis,” Deyo said.

 ‘An incredible universe on stage’

But a musical of “Shrek’s” size also brings its challenges.

Along with the cast of 33, the musical features more than 100 costumes — some with special props — and some cast members playing multiple roles. The show features much furniture and set pieces to make up the 12 different set locations.

“That’s a lot of scenery to move, a lot technical tricks,” Deyo said.

Deyo talked about the challenges of things like making Fiona lift off stage and turn into an ogre or making Pinocchio’s nose grow when he lies.

Technical Director Jennifer Bute praised Deyo for his experience and creativity in bringing the set locations to life on stage.

“He can dream up an incredible universe on the stage, and we get to bring it to life behind the scenes, so it’s fun,” she said.

Deyo is thrilled to finally bring “Shrek the Musical” to Frank W. Bridges. He brought the show, one of his favorites, to the Summerset board.

“I’ve had my heart in this for a long time,” he said.

That makes it all the better for Deyo to see his cast and crew hard at work to bring the show to life through their roles.

“It’s not all on me,” he said. “Other people have caught the idea that this is going to be a great show and are taking their small part and running with it. And that’s been really fun to see as a director of the show.”

Deyo urged people to come out of a show he promises will be top-notch for reasonable ticket prices, which are $18 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under.

“This is Minneapolis-quality production of a very fun show for a very reasonable price,” Deyo said. “Its family-friendly. Bring the whole family, certainly bring the kids. They will bring engaged and enjoy every minute of it.”

The show is recommended for all ages, and the cast and crew say it will be a great show for the entire family.

“It’s a family show and it’s something that all ages will enjoy,” Siems said. “Different aspects of it will play to younger audiences and older audiences, but I think that it’s for everyone to come and enjoy together.”

Tickets are currently on sale at the Summerset Theatre Box Office in room E107 in Riverland’s east building in Austin or online at www.summersettheatre.org. The box office can be contacted at 507-433-0595 or by emailing boxoffice@riverland.edu.

“Shrek the Musical” is proudly sponsored by REM Woodvale.

Summerset Theatre recently received a Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) grant to help aid this summer’s production costs. According to its website, SEMAC is one of 11 regional arts councils designated by the state of Minnesota “to make final decisions on the use of appropriations for local/regional arts development.” SEMAC has served Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona counties since 1977 and is charged with assessing regional needs and planning and administering programs and services using its legislative allocation.

‘Shrek the Musical’

When: June 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 at 7:30 p.m., June 26 at 2 p.m.

Where: Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College’s east campus at 1900 Eighth Ave. NW, Austin

Tickets: $18 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets are currently on sale at the Summerset Theatre Box Office in room E107 in Riverland’s east building in Austin or online at www.summersettheatre.org. The box office can be contacted at 507-433-0595 or by emailing boxoffice@riverland.edu.

 Shrek The Musical Cast and Crew

Shrek………………………Robert Johnson

Fiona…………………………Mandie Siems

Donkey……………………Cole Peterson

Lord Farquaad…………….Jake Gustine

Dragon…………………..Morgan Dickman

Pinocchio……………………….Kaye Perry Gingy………………………………..Tess Douty

Big Bad Wolf……………..David Behling

Three Little Pigs……………Joe Gerber,

Garrin Loveland, Austin Hodnefield

Sugar Plum Fairy…….Bryana Thorson

Ugly Duckling……….Lindsey McAlister

Mama Bear…………………..Claire Olson

Baby Bear……………………….Ray Wicks

Fairy Godmother………Heather Wirkus

Peter Pan………………..Dathen Johnson

Wicked Witch………………….Kim Potter

Mad Hatter…………………Denni Heimer

Humpty Dumpty……….Alexa Ferguson

Shoemaker’s Elf………….Billy Jo Wicks

White Rabbit…………………Angela Kelly

Mama Ogre…………..Katie Hunerdosse

Papa Ogre……………….Lucas Johnson

Little Ogre…………………Lukas Howard

King Harold………………Chris Williams

Queen Lillian……………….Kim Zerke

Young Fiona……………..Anna Kossman

Teen Fiona…………………Denni Heimer

Thelonius the Executioner…………………..Chelsea Anderson

Captain of the Guard..Lucas Johnson

Knights………………..Joe Gerber, Garrin

Loveland, David Rask Behling, Dathen

Johnson

Pied Piper……………………Chase Collins

Three Blind Mice….Katie Hunerdosse,

Morgan Dickman, Claire Olson

Bishop……………………….Chris Williams

Grumpy………………………Lukus Howard

Puppeteers..Lydia Wik, Chase Collins,

Kendahl Lewis, Denni Heimer

Ensemble………………..Blythe Johnson,

Chase Collins,

Chris Williams, Katie

Hunerdosse, Kendahl

Lewis, Kim Zerke, Lukas

Howard, Lydia Wik

Production Crew

Director………………………….John Deyo

Stage Manager…………….Kayla Byram

Vocal Director…………………Kaye Perry

Rehearsal Accompanist….Dori Schou

Musical

Director……………Nathan Wradislavsky

Technical Director……….Jennifer Bute

Choreographer………………Marny Rohr

Assistant

Choreographer……..Ashley Harrington

Costumes……………….Madlain Vander, Kaye Perry

Props………………………Janet Anderson

Lead painter…………Katie Hunerdosse

Makeup consultant..Susan V. Hanson

Set design………………………John Deyo

Light design………………..Mark Spitzer,

John Deyo, David Albino

Light board operator…….Erin Williams

Sound design………………..John Deyo

Sound board operator…..Ian Gearhart

Puppets………….John Deyo, Jim Jayes

Set construction……Gordy Handeland

Graphic design…………………..BJ Witts

Box office manager……Carrie Braaten