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‘Shrek the Musical Jr.’ opens in Merced
Shrek jr
“Shrek the Musical, Jr.” marks the end of the Summer Youth Theatre Festival at Playhouse Merced, and has a cast made up of talented teen performers in Merced.

For one weekend only, Playhouse Merced will be presenting “Shrek the Musical, Jr.”

This fun musical, based on the classic DreamWorks film, is meant for the whole family. Filled with side-splitting humor and great music, “Shrek the Musical” has become known as one of the most entertaining pieces of live theatre to hit the Broadway stage in the last two decades. The Jr. version condenses the story while maintaining its slightly subversive humor and the modern take on the concept of ‘happily ever after’ that made “Shrek” a cultural phenomenon. “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” tells the story of an ogre living alone and happy in his swamp until his peaceful home is inundated by a horde of fairy tale creatures who have been displaced by the diminutive Lord Farquaad. Shrek takes on a quest for the tiny ruler in exchange for getting his swamp back, promising to rescue a princess named Fiona to become Farquaad’s wife. But things go wrong for the unlikely hero as he finds himself followed by a talking donkey, fighting a lonely dragon, and facing a feisty princess with no interest in being rescued by a giant green monster.

“Shrek the Musical” pairs its new take on the classic fairy tale with unforgettable characters, catchy music and endlessly clever storytelling. “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” marks the end of the Summer Youth Theatre Festival at Playhouse Merced, and has a cast made up of talented teen performers in Merced.

Remaining shows are set for 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for anyone 18 and under. For tickets and information, go to playhousemerced.com or call the box office at (209)725-8587.

Gallo Center introduces 25/26 season
Jay Leno and Arsenio Hall
Comedy legend Jay Leno, with special guest Arsenio Hall, will kickoff the Gallo’s 25/26 season on Sept. 13 (Photo contributed).
MODESTO, CA — The Gallo Center for the Arts announced its 2025/26 season, marking the 18th anniversary of the downtown Modesto performing arts center, recently named a Top 10 venue globally by Pollstar. Advance ticket sales to Gallo Center donors are already underway. Tickets go on sale to the public on June 2.
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