A ogre-sized story provides entertainment as well as bringing to life the lessons of acceptance and love.

College Community Theatre will present “Shrek: The Musical.”

The production opens Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in Bob Clapp Theatre at Blue Mountain Community College, 2411 N.W. Carden Ave., Pendleton.

Other evening performances are Nov. 15-16 & 21-23; and matinee shows are Nov. 16-17 & 23-24 at 2:30 p.m.

Theatre arts instructor Terry Hale serves as director. Hale also is executive director of the Elgin Opera House, where he directed “Shrek” in 2013.

In choosing the show, Hale wanted one that would include actors from all age groups. The production features a large cast and crew of about 60, including about half under the age of 18.

“It’s super fun. They are very excitable,” Blake Rasmussen said about working with the younger generation.

“Also, they are very talented and it’s fun to watch them progress,” he added.

Rasmussen and Kiel Fauske, both of La Grande, revive their roles as Lord Farquaad and Shrek, respectively — each performed the parts in Elgin. As veteran actors of community theater, they are thrilled to present “Shrek” again, saying it is among their favorites.

In addition to the entertainment value, they said it provides an underlying message.

“It really demonstrates the acceptance of all different kinds of people — people of all different sizes and shapes,” Fauske said. “It’s very inclusive.”

Aiden Lovell, 15, who plays the part of a guard and villager, is excited about the chance to perform. The Pendleton High School sophomore became interested in musical theater through a friend.

“I love to sing and I love to act,” Lovell said.

Lovell’s mother, Lisa Bork, who teaches in Irrigon, also found her way on stage.

Auditioning “on a whim,” Bork plays one of the villagers, performs in the wedding choir and she also serves on the stage crew.

The production also includes Jason Hogge as technical theatre director and Margaret Mayer as musical director. Also, Mayer said many of the cast members have deep ties to BMCC.

“I am extremely impressed with the extensive talent that we have gathered for ‘Shrek: the Musical.’ Our actors, musicians, and technicians are phenomenal,” Hale said.

Tickets ($20/adults, $16/seniors and $12/students) can be purchased via a link at www.collegecommunitytheatre.com or call/leave a message at the box office at 541-215-9917.