A note from the director…

When I found out a year ago that I was going to be directing Shrek Jr., I knew that I wanted to tell the story a little differently. I wanted to dive in a little deeper than what the story presented. 

The origin for my concept started when I was told one day about my friend’s experience at school; how badly they were scrutinized for having a disability and for needing accessibility resources. As time passed, they had to learn to be protective of their disability (by way of unfortunate circumstances), but still took the care to uplift others of their community and those of the same. 

The junior version of Shrek is truncated from the original Broadway production, and I came to realize that it lends itself to telling and focus more on Fiona. In ways, I saw that similarity of elements like that of my friend’s experience and drew additional inspiration from stories that are popular today such as Frozen, Barbie, Mamma Mia, as well as some of the themes that resonated with me; true love and what that can encompass, societal rules and how those influence us into resolving internal desires versus external influences and pressures, and how there is power and empowerment in embracing and accepting yourself for who you truly are. 

I am always moved to tears when I think about this cast in particular, and how supportive they have been for each other. Whether that meant taking on leadership roles and being a good example for our younger ones to follow, or becoming understudies and stepping in for those who were absent so we could still keep the pacing of 6 weeks of rehearsals, but especially of how they took care of each other. They cared so much about making sure that everyone was comfortable and each took it upon themselves to take initiatives to ensure that it was a safe space for all. 

I feel so lucky to have worked with an amazing group of people in both my cast and creative team, and am thankful for this opportunity to be able to tell this story and for the support I have received throughout this process. I want to acknowledge Sofia VanRod and Cynthia Ortiz for leading the pack and being good role models for our younger cast mates, London Roush and Ryder Hom for becoming understudies for multiple roles, Berlin Exley for helping support our little ones learn their material, my crew and creative team for helping my vision come to life: Heather Radovich, Ronnie Castaneda, Robert Ramirez, Layla Malacara, Veronica Ortiz, Noelle Wilder, Max O. Chang, Thomas Nguyen, and especially Lorraine VanRod for her mentorship and never ending support, and for giving me the incredible chance to become a director here at One Stage Theatre and the platform to be a storyteller in the theatre community.

Thank you for supporting the next generation of theatre makers!

Enjoy the show!

-Stephanie Kara

PRODUCTION STAFF:

Director/Vocal Director: Stephanie Kara

Producer/Properties Designer: Lorraine VanRod

Sound Designer: Robert A. Ramirez

Lighting Designer: Heather Radovich

Costume Designer: Liz Nelsen

Set Designers: Layla Malacara, Stephanie Kara

Stage Manager: Layla Malacara

Audio Technician/Lighting Operator: Ronnie Castaneda

Deck Crew: Veronica Ortiz, Noelle Wilder, Mandee Iyer

Carpenters: Max O. Chang, Thomas Nguyen

CAST:

Shrek - Ryder Hom
Fiona - Rene Exley
Donkey - Berlin Exley
Dragon/Mama Bear - Rachel Ristau
Lord Farquaad (Raggety Andy Understudy)- London Roush
Teen Fiona/Ugly Duckling/Storyteller - Sophia Leiner
Young Fiona/Storyteller - Tanvi Varanasy
Wicked Witch/Storyteller - Cynthia Ortiz
Pig 1/Baby Fiona/Puss in Boots - Evelyn Lee
Pig 3/Young Ogre/Dwarf - Everest Roush
Knight/Tweedle Dee/Chef - Venice Roush
Gingy/Big Bad Wolf/Bishop - John Blanco
Knight/Tweedle Dum/Chef - Siena Anaya
Pinocchio/Puppeteer - Karina Patel
Pig 2/Guard/Butterfly - Nora Jackson
Ugly Duckling/Teen Fiona/Storyteller  - Sophia Leiner
Captain of the Guard/Rooster - Daniel Sadsad
Peter Pan/Puppeteer - Hannah Sorci
Papa Ogre/Raggety Andy/Puppeteer - Marc Jay "MJ" Julio
Mama Ogre/Storyteller - Sofia VanRod
Baby Bear/Guard - Violet Leiner

Raggety Ann/Guard/Puppeteer - Ruhi Kahn

Papa Bear/Puppeteer - Hoyeong Lee

Elf/Pied Piper/Butterfly - Renya Gummadam

Act 1

Big Bright Beautiful World

Story of My Life

What's Up Duloc (Part 1)

What't Up Duloc (Part 2)

What's Up Duloc (Reprise)

I Know It's Today

Travel Song

Forever

This Is How A Dream Comes True

Act 2

Morning Person

I Think I Got You Beat

Make A Move

Morning Person (Reprise)

Freak Flag

Big Bright Beautiful World (Reprise)

Transformation

Finale

Bows

I'm A Believer

Who's Who

CAST

Siena Anaya (Tweedle Dum/Knight/Chef) is very excited to be playing the roles of tweedle dum, a knight, and a chef.

She recently turned 12 years old and loves to sing, swim, and dance. Her favorite past roles include Captain Bones in Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS(Starstruck mini musical) and Cinderella’s Stepmother in Into the Woods Jr. (One Stage Theatre). Siena can’t wait to let her freak flag wave with you! Thank you for coming!

John Blanco (Gingy/Bishop/Big Bad Wolf) likes practicing singing with his best friend, hiking, working out, and hanging out with family. Being new to theatre, he was looking forward to meeting new people and having fun, and can say that it's been a fulfilling experience that's welcoming to anyone who wants to join. This is his very first production and hopes to put up an awesome performance for all the awesome people coming to watch Shrek Jr.!

Berlin Exley (Donkey) is 13 years old and is so excited to be a part of One Stage’s production of Shrek Jr.! You may have seen her previously as a Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast (One Stage) or Little Red in Into the Woods Jr. (One Stage). She has many hobbies such as cross country, dance, Girl Scouts, and of course, theater! She would love to thank her mom and her older sister for always allowing her to pursue her dreams and she hopes you enjoy the show!

René Exley (Fiona) is thrilled to be in another One Stage production! She was in Into the Woods Jr. last year as Cinderella, and recently played Babette and a Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast. She just graduated from Newark Memorial High School, and some of her favorite productions there included Firebringer (Zazzalil), Clue (Yvette), and Snow White (Snow White). She would like to give a special shoutout to all of her friends and family who came to support, and her sister for always being her show buddy.

Renya Gummadam (Pied Piper/Elf/Wolf/Butterfly) is ten years old and is going into 5th grade this year, at Ardenwood Elementary School. Renya loves performing and being on the stage. She is also part of the Peninsula Girls Chorus, and a member of Girl Scout Troop 31602. Music is a big passion in Renya's life, and she is currently learning how to play piano and cello. In her spare time, she likes to go bicycling, making comics, reading, and listening to her favorite singer, Taylor Swift!  This is her first performance with One Stage! 

Ryder Hom (Shrek) is excited to be in his first production with One Stage! He previously helped on deck crew for Beauty and the Beast (One Stage). He gives a big thanks to Stephanie Kara for all of her encouragement and support in returning to theatre. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Nora Jackson (Pig 2/Guard/Butterfly) is 10 years old and got her acting start here at One Stage with the winter break camp’s production of Frozen Jr. and is now hooked.  This is her first “full production” and is very excited to share her work with a larger audience.  Nora also enjoys all forms of dance including tap, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop.  When not rehearsing for a performance, she is often found reading a ton of books or creating a new art masterpiece.

Marc Jay "MJ" Julio (Papa Ogre/Raggedy Andy) is an incoming senior at John F. Kennedy High School. He is thrilled to be part of his second show with One Stage Theatre. He has previously been in One Stage Theatre’s Into the Woods Jr. (Wolf), ICT’s The Crucible (Reverend Hale), and recently, ICT’s The Addams Family (Lucas Beineke). MJ wants to thank everyone who is involved in making the show possible and couldn’t be more grateful working with the cast and crew. He hopes you enjoy the big bright beautiful world of Shrek Jr! @mxrcjay

Ruhi Khan (Raggety Anne/Puppeteer/Guard) is very excited to be a part of the Shrek Jr. cast. She is a professionally trained young actress, dancer, and KIDS FIRST! Child critic/reporter, and dreams of working in TV & Film. At home, Ruhi enjoys tap, acro & ballet dance, playing with her pet rabbit, Princess Cinnamon, shopping, and reading. She loves cooking, movie nights, and traveling with her family. This is her first stage appearance.

Evelyn Lee (Baby Fiona/Pig 1/Puss in Boots) is nearly 8 years old and is super excited to be in Shrek Jr. - it's her second time on stage! When she's not singing or dancing, Evelyn loves to read, do gymnastics, and has just started swimming on a team. Her favorite character is Princess Fiona because she's brave and strong. Evelyn wants to give a big thanks to Miss Stephanie for picking her to play baby Fiona, and to Coach Noelle for teaching her all the dance moves. Last but not least, she's really grateful for her awesome family cheering her on!

Hoyeong Lee (Papa Bear/Guard/Puppeteer) is very excited to be in his second show, the Shrek Jr. He was cast as Augustus in Willy Wonka for his first play. He is a thoughtful 8th grader. He enjoys riding his bike and playing the piano for fun.

Sophia Leiner (Teen Fiona/Ugly Duckling/Storyteller) is 14 and going into high school in the Fall. Her past roles have included an Ancestor in Moana Junior and Jack’s mother in Into the Woods Jr. She is thrilled to be a part of One Stage again this Summer and is so excited for what will come next year in her theatre journey.

Violet Leiner (Baby Bear/Guard) is 11 and will be attending middle school in the Fall. New to musical theater, Shrek Jr. is her first venture in this genre. She is excited to join the cast and One Stage. In her spare time, Violet enjoys learning guitar and loves to crochet.

Cynthia Ortiz (Wicked Witch/Storyteller) This is Cynthia Ortiz’s 3rd time working with One Stage Theatre. Some of her favorite previous roles include "Harry" in Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, "Sabine" in the 3 Musketeers with John F. Kenedy high school, and the Baker in One Stage Theatre's production of Into the Woods Jr. She is very excited to be playing one of the Story Tellers and The Wicked Witch and is very thankful for all the support she has gotten from this amazing cast and her family. She hopes you enjoy the show.

Karina Patel (Pinocchio/Puppeteer) is eleven years old and super excited to be a part of Shrek Jr. She has performed in theater productions since she was five, including Anastasia (Young Anastasia) at American High School, Dear Edwina Jr. (Edwina), Annie KIDS (Ms. Hannigan), and The Little Mermaid (Ensemble) at Starstruck Theater. Shrek Jr. has been an amazing experience for her. She loved all her time working with the cast and learning new things. She would like to thank all of the cast, crew, and staff who helped make her summer fun. Enjoy the Show!

Rachel Ristau (Dragon/Mama Bear) is an incoming senior and is so excited to be performing in One Stage Theatre’s production of Shrek Jr. This show is extra special for her because her previous production of Shrek was cancelled due to the pandemic. You may have recently seen Rachel as Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast. She would like to thank Miss Stephanie for this incredible opportunity, her family and friends for their constant support, and the love from this cast.

Everest Roush (Pig 3/Dwarf/Young Ogre) is just eight years old and is excited for his third show with One Stage Theatre! Everest is in second grade and enjoys P.E at school, playing soccer for his team, and swimming competitively. He also likes to play piano, talk about Pokémon with his cousins, and play board/card games with his sisters. 

London Roush (Lord Farquaad) is thrilled to do another show with One Stage! Her past productions include Alice Beineke in “The Addams Family“ (Irvington High School) and Narrator in “Into the Woods” (One Stage). In her free time, she loves to play the French horn, basketball, lacrosse, and hang out with her bearded dragon. 

Venice Roush (Tweedle Dee/Knight/Chef) is thrilled to be in Shrek Jr., her fifth  show with One Stage Theatre. When not on the stage, Venice loves singing, dancing, and making videos for her “audience.” You may have seen her playing on any field or court in the area as she is also part of many team sports year-round, including lacrosse, swim and basketball. Venice hopes you love her part in this show as much as you loved her in Into the Woods as Lucinda.

Daniel Sadsad (Captain of the Guard/Rooster) is a student at Irvington High School who loves to travel. Whether it's Reno or the Philippines, he loves seeing different places. He also loves drama, singing, biking, as well as pepperoni, sausage, bacon, olive, jalapeño, ham, and bell pepper pizza! Daniel has been doing drama for many years now and has started performing in Irvington Conservatory Theater since his freshman year. (He’s a senior now!) Last year, he starred in Irvington's most recent production, The Addams Family, as Mal Beineke. The reason he loves doing drama is because he can be himself and be whoever he wants!

Hannah Sorci (Peter Pan, Puppeteer) is excited to be in her second One Stage Theatre show. Her prior show was Into the Woods Jr. where she played Milky-White. Her favorite song in this show is “Story of My Life.” She would like to thank the cast and crew for their hard work, and she would like to thank her family for their support. Now sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

Sofia VanRod (Mama Ogre/Storyteller) has appeared in The Little Mermaid Jr, played Scar in The Lion King Jr, Cinderella’s Mother in Into the Woods Jr, and a Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast. She is a high school sophomore and on the Varsity Cheerleading team. 

CREW

Stephanie Kara (Director/Vocal Director) is honored to be making her One Stage Theatre directorial debut with Shrek Jr.! She is a proud native Bay Area female POC actor, playwright, stage manager, theatre administrator, and board member, and has been part of the theatre community for over 20 years. Many thanks to Lorraine, Layla, Robert, Liz, Heather, Noelle, Ronnie, Ryder, Veronica, Dashi, much love to M. More info at www.stephaniekara.com.

Layla Malacara (Stage Manager) is a newly graduated high school student and has been a Stage Manager for 4 years now, and involved with One Stage for 2 years. She loves being involved in theater every chance that she gets. She is looking forward to watching her fellow actors and tech grow and learn from each experience! She'd like to thank all the actors, tech, and mentors for creating great memories that she'll always remember, and teaching her new things. And she wishes to all actors and crew... Break A Leg!

Liz Nelsen (Costumer) is excited to be costuming Shrek and working with this wonderful cast and crew! She is the owner of A-1 Dance and Theatrical in Castro Valley and also has worked as a costumer for many local companies and schools. Liz's favorite job is being Memaw to Gianna!

Heather Radovich (Lighting Designer) is a production manager and designer from the San Francisco Bay Area by way of Boston, Massachusetts. She is currently the production manager, props designer, and lighting designer for Moreau Catholic High School’s theatre and dance departments and the former production manager for Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University. When not producing or designing, Heather is a stage manager and proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. Select stage management credits include: Boys Go to Jupiter (Word for Word), Little Women (Wheelock Family Theatre), Nixon’s Nixon (New Repertory Theatre), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), and Pride & Prejudice (Actors’ Shakespeare Project). Heather holds an MFA in stage management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a BA in technical theater from Sonoma State University

ROBERT ARTURO RAMIREZ (Sound Designer) is pleased to be designing for One Stage Theatre again. He recently designed Beauty and the Beast. Theatrical Designs include: Haunted House Party (Troubies/Getty Villa); A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Garry Marshall Theatre) : Duran DurAntony and Cleopatra (Troubadour Theatre) and Miracle on 34th Street(Hollywood Actors co-op), (Ovation nom). For TV, he is currently Sound Designer on DC Comics' Superman and Lois (CW/hbomax), and Unprisoned (Hulu) at Warner Brothers Sound. Past theatrical designs: Lady Day at Emerson's (GMT) Ovation nom; Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 and Broads! (El Portal); Romeo and Juliet (Odyssey). He’s received 3 Emmy/2 Ovation nominations. Other TV credits include: Manifest (NBC/Netflix), DC's Titans (Hbomax), DC’s Arrow, Queen and Slim. etc. He operates Orpheus SoundLabs in the NoHo Arts District. Upcoming: THE CIVILITY OF ALBERT CASHIER at the Colony Theatre in Burbank/LA. Thanks to Stephanie and Lorraine for the opportunity. 

Noelle Wilder (Choreographer) is happy to be back with the One Stage team as their choreographer. Noelle is a Deaf dancer, actor, educator, and artist who has been working closely with One Stage to create Deaf friendly and accommodating spaces where all Deaf performers and audience members feel included and welcome. Most recently, Noelle has choreographed for Beauty and the Beast (One Stage Theatre) and Mary Poppins(South Bay Musical Theatre).  They have also shared their bilingual talents on stage as Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast(One Stage Theatre), the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz (Palo Alto Players), Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Stage 1), Wish Upon A Star (Peter Pan Foundation), and at Disneyland (Peter Pan Foundation). During the day when Noelle is not rehearsing or performing, they are an early childhood education teacher at California School for the Deaf Fremont. 

Special Thanks

Ryder Hom, Cynthia Ortiz, Sofia VanRod, Rene Exley, Berlin Exley, Layla Malacara, Ronnie Castaneda, Marwa Chopan, Noelle Wilder, Grant Ewing, Nicole Oviatt, Hannah Oviatt, Fred Rodriguez, Ethan VanRod, Lorraine VanRod,

Heather Radovich, Moreau Catholic High School

Performances to be held at

Teves Theatre

27170 Mission Blvd. Hayward, CA 94544

July 26 @ 7:30pm

July 27 @ 2pm

July 28 @ 2pm