Catch ‘Shrek Jr. the Musical’ this weekend at Harbison Theatre

Nearly everyone loves the movie “Shrek,” but what you might not know is that the film is based on a children’s book of the same name that was published in 1990 by author and cartoonist William Steig.

In the book, Shrek was far grosser than in the movie version, and said to be so stinky that flowers died as he passed and trees leaned away. He was renowned for his ability to spit and to make smoke come out of his ears.

But he met his match. When Shrek finally marries, his wife is said to be even uglier than he is.

This weekend, the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission’s Children’s Theatre will present “Shrek Jr., the Musical” at Midlands Technical College’s Harbison Theatre.

Producer Jennifer Riddle said they chose the production as a way to appeal to both boys and girls.

“In the past, we’ve done a lot of Disney shows, which are terrific for girls, but we really liked Shrek because of the great inclusive message, its focus on inner beauty and the fact that it appeals to boys as well as girls.”

The 56-member cast has been working on the show, which follows the adventures of a grumpy ogre and his cadre of animal friends, since August, Riddle said.

“Shrek, Jr. the Musical” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children.

For more information about the show, visit icrc.net. To purchase tickets in advance, call (803) 345-6181.

Katie McElveen, Special to The State

This story was originally published January 7, 2016 at 11:16 AM.