Nasty will be nice and Flagstaff will be ogre-the-moon when TheatriKids youth theater presents its family-friendly musical comedy “Shrek the Musical Jr.”, running June 23 through July 2 at the Doris Harper-White Theatre in historic downtown Flagstaff.

Based on William Steig’s Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and the book “Shrek,” the musical follows the adventures of an ogre named Shrek who leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. But it turns out that in order to ultimately succeed, Shrek must battle an even bigger obstacle: learning how to believe in himself and open his heart to others. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, this is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.

“Shrek's unique story is wonderfully suited to youth and the young at heart,” said TheatriKids education director Joe Maniglia. “Middle school is a hotbed of stereotypes and everyone wanting to be accepted for who they are. In the midst of this atmosphere, most of us find out that we have to go along to get along and the easiest way to get along is to not make waves, and so we suppress that which makes us truly special and unique. The gift of the Shrek is to embrace our inner ogres and let our freak flags fly—which is a message I would have loved to hear when I was this age. And perhaps it's a message we all need to remember and embrace in this day and age.”

The TheatriKids production includes a cast and crew of 50 local youth and is sponsored by Mama Burger, Canyon Pet Hospital and Northern Arizona Signs.

Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, June 23-July 1, with 2 p.m. matinees on June 24-25 and July 1-2. Individual tickets are $12 and can be purchased online at Theatrikos.com; by calling (928) 774-1662; or by visiting the theater’s box office, which is open from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and two hours prior to each performance.