Old Greenwich School Students Take the Stage in “Shrek Jr.”

By James Bonney

In school performance of Shrek the Musical Jr at Old Greenwich School. March 25, 2026. Photo: James Bonney.

Students at Old Greenwich School brought the story of Shrek the Musical Jr. to life this week, delivering a spirited performance that showcased both their talent and the strong support behind the program.

The production featured a wide range of student performers across grade levels. Emilia Flynn, Juana Alvarez Canedo Morelli and Kata Kostovic opened the show as storytellers, setting the tone for a lively retelling of the familiar tale. In the lead roles, Spencer Meyer and Will Watson shared the role of Shrek, while Lara Murphy and Avery Bembenek performed as Donkey.

Princess Fiona was portrayed by Elena Vairo and Cassandra Carroll, with Darcy Pattinson and Elle Jackson appearing as Young and Teen Fiona.

An ensemble performance. March 25, 2026. Photo: James Bonney.

Princess Fionas (Darcy, Elle, and Cassandra) preform the woes of the princess. March 25, 2026. Photo: James Bonney.

Fiona (Cassandra Carroll) and Lord Farquaad’s (Griffin Petausch) wedding Scene. March 25, 2026. Photo: James Bonney.

The cast also included William Kaplan and Audrey Rizzo as the ogres, Liam DiLeo as Captain of the Guards, Alexander Spilman as Pinocchio, and Ayush Gupta as the Big Bad Wolf.

The three pigs were played by Thomas Abyholm, Kieran Kelly and Max Brown, while Bella Dawson took on the role of the Wicked Witch.

Jagger Buss appeared as Peter Pan, with Kit Evans as the Ugly Duckling.

The Three Bears were played by Lilly Haney, Gunnar McCabe and Alyda Neubarth.

Anthony Givani Melendez rounded out the principal roles as Puss in Boots.

A large ensemble supported the production, including Duloc performers, fairy tale creatures, woodland guards and citizens, with students such as Dash Clifford, Timothy Carter, Sky Liu, Victoria Ferrario, Presley Murphy, Claire Oberg, Sterling Darnell and Julian Kaplan contributing to multiple scenes throughout the show.

Behind the scenes, the production was supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

Stage manager Melissa Gilson and set designer Jennifer Webb helped bring the world of the show to life, while Lauren Nicole Sherwood led costume design with support from Diva Star Production.

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Props were coordinated by Stephanie Pogemiller and Jennifer Webb, and a team of student stage crew members, including Jack Gefaell, Daniella O’Donnell, Michael Martines, Sebastian Starr, Augustus “Fox” Barker, Sam Weitzman and Jack Linnemann, ensured the production ran smoothly.