Cast members selected through a competitive audition process featuring top talent in the region, including performers from Wausau, Stevens Point, D.C. Everest, Merrill, Marathon and more will take to the stage at Wausau West High School later this month.
Among the performers will be 12-year-old Halley Innes, of Wittenberg. She will perform as one of three versions of Young Fiona, the child version of Princess Fiona, in Central Wisconsin Educational Theater Alliance’s “Shrek! The Musical.”
“I really wanted this role because of the vocal solo,” Halley said. “It’s not a big acting part, but it has a really great song in Act 1, ‘I Know It’s Today.’ I get to sing first as a solo then with the other two Fionas (teen and adult Fiona). The song ends with us in a three-part harmony, which is a really cool opportunity. It’s an honor to be chosen for it.”
CWETA does one show every two years, which draws more than 100 students from 20-plus schools in the region to audition. They go big on everything — costumes, sets, live pit orchestra — and they bring in a Broadway star to work with the students for a week during the rehearsal process.
“’Shrek the Musical’ is everything we love about theatre,” said Lauria Maegli, CWETA founder and artistic director. “It’s joyful, heartfelt and wildly creative, and this cast brings so much personality and commitment to the stage. Pair that with stunning design, live orchestra, and professional mentorship, and you have a production that reflects both the talent of our students and the power of community collaboration.”
Eric Petersen, who served as the 2026 artist-in-residence for CWETA, mentored students and coached the cast in early January. Petersen, who previously starred as Shrek on Broadway and in the national tour, led workshops at area schools and provided professional insights on acting and stage presence.
Halley is cast as one of two girls to play Young Fiona, the child version of Princess Fiona. Halley will play Young Fiona on Feb. 5, 7, 13 and 15, and will be featured in the ensemble in the remaining shows.
“Everyone is welcome in ‘Shrek,’” Halley said. “It feels like a big family where we all have fun together and accept everyone. I’m also so excited to get to perform again with so many of the seniors I look up to in musical theater in their last high school show.”
Cast members have been rehearsing five or six days each week.
While cast as young Fiona, Halley said her dream role is that of Donkey, and her favorite song in the show is “When Words Fail.”
“It’s such a sweet and hilarious song, and I love the line, ‘Sorry about the fat thing, I’m on the hefty side myself.’ I laugh every time.”
Performances will be held Feb. 5-15, and tickets are available at CWETA.org. CWETA will also perform weekday matinees for schools Feb. 10-12. A free and adapted special education show will be offered Feb. 10.
Halley encourages everyone to attend and share in the show’s message that everyone is welcome.
“‘Shrek’ is about being who you are and not trying to change so people will like you, but knowing you can be loved just the way you are,” she said.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
