Opening Nov. 5 and running through the weekend, Stagemakers at the J will perform the musical comedy “Shrek Jr.”

With music by Jeanine Desori, book and lyrics by David-Lindsay-Abaire, the musical is an adaptation of the 2001 Dreamworks Animation film which was loosely based on the book “Shrek!” by William Steig.

Shrek is the story of a rude, reclusive and smelly green ogre who finds his swamp invaded by a group of fairytale misfits, banished from their kingdom.

Featuring favorite characters from the movie, the audience will remember Princess Fiona, Lord Farquaad and of course, Shrek’s outrageously funny sidekick, Donkey.

Ten-year-old Max Weatherhold, a fifth grader at Lehigh Valley Regional Charter School, takes on the title role of Shrek.

He has performed in several other plays including “Wizard of Oz,” “Peter Pan,” and “The Polar Express.”

“Shrek is an ogre and it’s his job to be scary,” Weatherhold said. “He thinks he has to be that way.

“Fiona opens his eyes to how the world could be, and he learns to give the world a chance.”

The part of Princess Fiona is played by Northwestern Lehigh High School sophomore Meghan McGorry.

She formerly played Ms. Darbus in “High School Musical Jr.” at the JCC.

This fall, McGorry will be performing Belle, Scrooge’s fiancé, in Northwestern Lehigh High School’s production of “The Trials of Ebenezer Scrooge.”

McGorry said she really loves playing Fiona.

“She’s not your typical princess. She’s kind of like the guys and an equal to Shrek,” she said.

Elijah Siler, a sixth grader at Whitehall, took on the challenge of the comedic “Donkey.”

“I was cast in this role and I love it, but I don’t consider myself a comedian,” said Siler. “I do try to be funny though.”

The show’s director Jon Lynch, overhearing the interview, jumps in, “Elijah is incredibly funny as Donkey,” he said.

Lynch along with choreographer Peyton Lynch, musical director Andy Borghesani and costume designer Mary McCauley-Siler have been working with the cast at the JCC for the past 2-1/2 months.

“I chose Shrek because I knew it would be the perfect show for the Stagemakers and one that kids from all over would want to perform in,” said Lynch.

That certainly proved true as the cast is made up of 55 students ranging in age from 5 to 17 and representing over 20 different schools from throughout the Lehigh Valley.

According to Lynch, most people think of “Shrek” as the funny cartoon movie, but there is so much more.

The show demonstrates to kids and adults alike how to celebrate their individuality.

“As we watch people suffering from discrimination or bullying, “Shrek Jr.,” encourages everyone to stand up tall and let their “freak flag fly!” (the title of one of the musical numbers in the production),” said Lynch.

The group put together the hashtag #whatmakesmespecial inviting all audience members to post; and before the show, the audience will be invited to sign a green banner declaring what makes them special.

Throughout the rehearsal process each and every student was encouraged to embrace the motto “what makes us special makes us strong.”

Lynch said the cast, production team and parents have worked endlessly “to bring this story of acceptance to life.”

The show will be presented 7 p.m. Nov. 5; at 8 p.m. Nov. 7; and 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at the JCC of Allentown, 702 North 22nd St., Allentown.

Tickets are available at the JCC front desk, at the door, or by calling 610-435-3571.