An angry ogre, a lonely princess, a chatty donkey…and enough fairytale characters to overtake said ogre’s swamp. Which is one reason he’s so angry. It’s also the perfect setup for an unlikely hero’s journey.

Benjamin Logan High School students are preparing to tell this story when they present Shrek the Musical this Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, at 7 p.m. with a matinee option Saturday afternoon at 2.

This fun show with a sweet-centered heart — based on the 2001 hit film — adds original songs to a comedy about an ogre named Shrek who, after being kicked out of his home at the age of 7, now cherishes his solitude in a “far, far away” swamp. Until his “utopia” is invaded by a swarm of fairytale characters.

But, to be fair, it’s not their fault. They’ve been unceremoniously kicked out of their homes in the town of Duloc by would-be king Lord Farquaad. And they’re just as unhappy about the situation as Shrek. Which is what compels him to head out on a journey to get his swamp back.

Along the way he meets Donkey, who quickly ingratiates himself into Shrek’s quest. Upon meeting the two, Farquaad decides Shrek is the perfect candidate to rescue his future bride, Princess Fiona, from her dragon-guarded tower. If he succeeds, Shrek will get his swamp back.

This is how Shrek meets Fiona, a hopeful romantic who’s been trapped in that tower since her parents left her there when she was 7. As the trio head back to Duloc, they face various challenges and a surprising opportunity for three lonely individuals to find hope, friendship and even love.

The large and talented cast includes seniors Paxton Henry as Shrek, Ethan Van Winkle as Lord Farquaad, Greyson Wagoner as Sugar Plum Fairy/Gingerbread Man and Bre Allen as Dragon. They’re joined by junior Audrey Warren as Fiona, sophomore Nahla Payne as Pinocchio and freshman Levi Franjesevic as Donkey, with numerous other students filling out the cast.

This performance is especially close to my heart as I’ve had the honor of serving as the co-director. Leading the team is Chelsey Webb, middle and high school choir director at Ben Logan. We’ve had assistance from choreographers Wyatt LeVan and Leina Brunson (both seniors), orchestra director Maggie Bowlby, stage manager Laurel Smith, costumer Brandi Henry and makeup designer Nikki Burkhamer, along with Paul Gantt III, Finch Hone and Austyn Randall helping with sound and lighting.

Featuring songs like “Story of My Life,” the fairytale characters’ anthem “Freak Flag” and heart-felt ballads like “Who I’d Be” and “When Words Fail,” the show also contains plenty of laughs and its fair share of … how should I put this? Air biscuits? Breaking wind? Tooting? After all, as Shrek says, “Better out than in.” Hey, he is an ogre.

For Paxton, this was his dream performance in a favorite musical, an opportunity he referred to as “a blessing.” He added, “It has lots of comedy and it’s great for all ages, potty humor included.”

Ethan’s take on Lord Farquaad perfectly captures the outlandishness of the character, who’s not particularly known for his stature. Still, Ethan insists he’s “the greatest tall, big man in the show,” and, he promised, “we’ll go out with a bang!”

“I love the cast and the crew,” Audrey said. “The songs and the music are brilliant, and I’m very happy and honored. It’s funny and witty and interactive. Everybody knows Shrek.”

Shrek the Musical is a laugh-filled, ridiculous but heartwarming show with a cast that will charm and delight audiences from the opening song. Yes, I’m a little prejudiced, but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.

Tickets are only $8 plus fees and can be purchased at benjaminlogan.org/tickets. For more information, contact Benjamin Logan High School at 937-592-1666.