Riverside student Charleigh Moriarty is choreographing the school’s performance of Shrek, The Musical Jr. Here she teaches the moves she planned to those who play the villagers of Duloc.



The Riverside School is performing “Shrek, The Musical Jr.” on March 25th and 26th at the Lyndon Institute auditorium.

In the show, we meet an ogre named Shrek, played by Jeronimo Deyhle. His home has been taken over by other fairytale creatures and he embarks on a journey to reclaim his swamp. 

Shrek and his sidekick Donkey, played by Lydia Reimert are on an adventure to help Lady Farquaad, played by Macy Moore, find Princess Fiona, played by Camryn Reimert. On their journey, the characters find love and friendship, and in the end realize that they can write their own fairytales.

Director and English Teacher Peter Sahlin feels “a fresh wave of excitement about being on stage and working together after not being able to do so since before the pandemic.” 

Every year The Riverside School puts on a musical. Middle school students chose the play together. During next week’s “Play Week,” the week before the performance, 6th through 8th graders pause all regular classes and spend all day, everyday working to produce the show. 

Students participate in electives to help with the publicity, costuming, building, and painting. Students craft and find the perfect costumes for each character. They create the fairytale world of Duloc by designing and constructing sets and props. A team of Riversiders works in publicity, and advertises their play, including writing this press release.

According to 8th grader Macy Moore, “It will be stressful because it feels last minute. It’s going to all come together at that point. It will be exciting because other shows I’ve been in, I’ve only been on stage, I haven’t gotten to help with things like sets and costumes.”

Performances will be at the Lyndon Institute Auditorium on Friday, March 25 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, March 26 at 2:00 pm. Admission is by donation.