Southland High School Theatre will perform “Shrek: The Musical” this weekend.

Based on the picture book “Shrek” by William Steig and the 2001 movie, “Shrek: The Musical” tells the story of Shrek, a green ogre who wants to be left alone, however; when Lord Farquaad overruns Shrek’s swamp with fairy tale characters, Shrek makes a deal to rescue Princess Fiona so that she and Farquaad can marry in exchange for getting his swamp back.

“This is such an entertaining musical for all ages,” said director Madlain Vander. “The jokes span all the way from preschoolers to adults.”

According to Vander, while the movie and its sequels featured popular music, “Shrek: The Musical” contains original music as well as more dancing.

“The musical numbers feature a fantastic variety,” she said.

The cast features Will Douty as Shrek, Hannah Bergene as Fiona, Wyatt Pederson as Donkey, Isaac Himebaugh as Lord Farquaad, Cortney Espe as the Dragon and Hallie Bergene as Pinocchio.

Members of the cast come primarily from Southland High School and Middle School, but also features actors from Southland Elementary, Sacred Heart School and LeRoy-Ostrander. In all, there are approximately 70 actors in the show.

“We have some incredible talent,” Vander said.

The crew includes students Hannah Hovden, Emily Conroy, Isiah Morse, Hogan Bergene, Liliana Alexis, Lohayne Fernandes Vilas Boas and Grace Noterman. They will be working the spotlight and on the stage. Adult professionals working on the show are music director Jenna Steinkamp, LeRoy-Ostrander coordinator Chris Williams, assistant director and choreographer Macy Klaehn, sound producer Tom Bridges, light design and operator Tom Flaherty, specialty make-up Designer Marcia Allen, set builder Bill Schmitz and assistant costumer Dawn Mueller. Vander said there are also several adult volunteers helping with the show.

“Shrek: The Musical” will be performed at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and at noon on Saturday. All performances will be at Southland High School. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets can be reserved at losmusicalreservations@gmail.com.

For more information, call 507-440-3060.

Schedule of Events

Friday, March 9

• Austin Community Playgroup – St. Patty’s Day Celebration, 10-11:30 a.m. at Austin Congregational UCC. Come and meet other parents, caregivers, and children in an informal, friendly, and fun environment. Please bring your own snacks. All dates are subject to cancellation for church needs – notice will be sent out as soon as possible. For more information, call Sheila at 507-399-1924, or go to https://www.facebook.com/austincongoucc/?fref=ts.

• St. Patty’s Day Feast, noon to 1 p.m. at the Mower County Senior Center. Whether you are Irish or Irish-at-heart, come enjoy an afternoon of fun and Irish fare. Choose between corned beef or parmesan-crusted cod, potatoes, carrots, Irish soda bread, and dessert of either Irish apple cake with custard sauce or Irish cream chocolate truffle. Entertainment too. Cost for members is $9, non-members is $10. For more information or to sign up, stop by the Senior Center front desk or call 507-433-2370.

• Fish Fry, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall, 211 First St. SE. Adults $8, ages 4-12 $6, 3 and under free. Full bar. Broiled fish available too.

• Austin Bruins vs. Brookings Blizzard, 7-9:30 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Go, Bruins! For more information, call 507-434-4978.

Saturday, March 10

• Kids’ Open Art Hour, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Austin Public Library. For more information, call 507-433-2391.

• Kids’ Studio – Clay Tiles, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Austin ArtWorks Center. With Josh Thoreson and Liz Tapia. For kids ages 4 to 14 years; cost $5. For this class, parents or adults must accompany 4 year old participants. For more information or to register, go to www.austinareaarts.org or call 507-434-0934.

• Family Art Studio, 1-3 p.m. at the Austin ArtWorks Center. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, go to www.austinareaarts.org or call 507-434-0934.

• Driller MMA Fights, 6-10 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Conference Center. For more information, call 507-433-8000.

• Jonny Bird’s Tribute to the Legends “Vegas of Bust” Farewell Tour, 7-9:30 p.m. at the Mower County Senior Center. Sit back and relax to some of the greatest music and vocalists of all time with Jonny Bird, the Voice of the Legends. His vocal elasticity has wowed audiences, mimicking singers such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Elton John and many more. Seamlessly blending music from all eras, this show is a “must-see.” Door and bar open at 6 p.m. Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at the door. For more information or tickets, stop by the Senior Center front desk or call 507-433-2370.

• Austin Bruins vs. Brookings Blizzard, 7-9:30 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Go, Bruins! For more information, call 507-434-4978.

• Sola Fide Observatory Viewing, 8-9 p.m. at the Sola Fide Observatory. Learn about the night sky from our local experts. For more information, call Keith at 507-440-1244 or email imstar@smig.net.