Shrek The Musical Jr

By Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire. Kalamunda Senior High School. Directed by Anna Head. Kalamunda Performing Ats Centre, WA. Sep 5-6, 2025

After a series of successful Junior Musicals from the Disney stable, Kalamunda Senior High School moved to DreamWorks for its most recent production - which I think is its tightest and strongest to date. Featuring students from Years 8 to 10, this large cast production was performed with energy and enthusiasm.

Designed by director Anna Head, the set was multi-level and incorporated a ramp - used to great effect as a slide. Costumes were bright and helped to create recognisable characters.

Students sang nicely under the guidance of Musical Director Michelle Vivian and vocal coaches, with fun choreography executed with verve and good timing.

Billie Hoselt-Butler anchored the show well in the title role, a grumpy and out-spoken ogre, who was likable and oddly charming. Unconventional heroine Princess Fiona was beautifully portrayed by Maia McIntyre, a gutsy princess with a chip on her shoulder, but quickly an audience favourite. Younger Shrek was nicely introduced by Cooper Myers, with Chloe Shuman and Mia Warwick and Madeleine Ward and Jennifer Rando alternating as younger Fionas (I’m not sure which combination I saw).

Amelia Watson brought bright personality to the role of Donkey, with Siobhan Findlay bringing big vocals and diva power to the Dragon. Our villain, Lord Farquaard, was played with relish by James Kingston.

Lots of fun performances among the Fairy Tale Folks, with everyone applying themselves to their roles. Particularly memorable were Isabella McIlvena’s fibbing Pinocchio, Chet Colombini’s frocked-up Big Bad Wolf, Sophie Dunne’s high voiced Gingy and Adelayah Kendall’s impact-in-an-instant Puss in Boots.

Lots of great ensemble work including the Year 8 Sunflowers, Year 9 Duloc Performers and the Year 10s playing long suffering Knights and fire.

Shrek Jr was a production that was fun to watch and left its audience with a smile.

Kimberley Shaw