YOUNGSTOWN — Shiloh Hart called directing at Youngstown Playhouse a dream come true.

Her last experience on that stage was competing as a preteen in the Youngstown Super Star competition at least 20 years ago. (She won.)

“When you’re little, the Playhouse is a huge deal,” Hart said. “It’s like Broadway to kids. I was absolutely honored that I was even considered for it.”

Hart is giving a new generation of children that “Broadway” experience as director of Playhouse Youth Theatre’s production of “Shrek the Musical Jr.” this weekend on the main stage.

The children’s theater production is based on the first “Shrek” animated feature about an ogre and donkey sidekick who are charged with rescuing Princess Fiona to become Lord Farquaad’s bride. The pair soon learn that Lord Farquaad’s intentions aren’t pure and Fiona is not what she appears to be.

The movie was adapted by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori into a musical, which was nominated for eight Tony Awards and won for best costume design.

The “Jr.” version is shorter, Hart said “But there’s not a whole lot missing, surprisingly … It hits all the big markers from the full production.”

Hart didn’t select the musical — it already was on the Playhouse’s schedule when she was invited to direct it — but the message of the show resonates with her.

“The show is fun and goofy and childlike, but the meaning behind it is astounding,” she said. “At the very end of the show, I slowed down the choreography, slowed down the lighting so the audience can listen to what those kids are saying. Songs like `Freak Flag,’ `This Is Our Story,’ it’s about being proud of who you are and it’s OK to be different.”

A large number of children (actors for the “Jr.” version must be ages 18 or younger) turned out for auditions, which made Hart’s casting choices difficult.

The cast features Matthew Reighard, Finlay Andrei, Izzy Krekaus, James Matig, Breckan Neuhaus, Jenna Bishop, Theo Hart, Erica Kovach, Oliver Tomhave, Blake Gabler, Jacob Erskine, Spencer Soldan, Katara Brown, Connor Fitzpatrick, Dallas Dizpenza, Aubree Neuhaus, Alec Toporcer, Maggie Mutchler, Constance Fabek, Zoey Aspenleiter, Charlotte Ward, Ashlyn Young, Ishaan James, Thomas Wilson, Emma Hall, Maggie Freudenreich, Vivan Miletta, Zoe Stanton and Ellie Kisler.

“I have high standards and they’ve pulled through everything I’ve thrown at them, Hart said. “I set the bar so high, so if we miss, we’ll (still) be right where we should be. They’ve jumped over the bar at every opportunity.

“Children are easier (to work with) than adults. They take direction easier, they’re willing to say, `I messed up.’ They take notes. Most adults don’t do any of that. Adults are sent in their ways. Kids want to do this. So they’re willing to do anything. They believe in you if you believe in them, and it’s absolute teamwork.”

Hart singled out stage manager Caitlyn Santiago for keeping everything moving smoothly – “Directors aren’t hired for their organizational skills; they’re hired solely for their artistic brain” — and the rest of the production team for their work with the students.

“I would say Joanna Andrei annihilated the choreography. The Duloc scene (`What’s Up, Duloc?’). Farquaad is a perfectionist, and the dancing is absolutely perfect.

“And Tyler Stouffer, my music director has harped and harped and harped on harmonies with them. If these kids want to work in the industry, they have to learn harmonies. That’s something he’s put into these kids, and they sound beautiful.”

If you go …

WHAT: Playhouse Youth Theatre — “Shrek the Musical Jr.”

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Youngstown Playhouse, 600 Playhouse Lane, Youngstown

HOW MUCH: Tickets range from $11 to $17 and are available online at experienceyourarts.org and by calling 330-788-8739.