Magical Starlight Theatre presents ‘Shrek: The Musical’

Magical Starlight Theatre, a Naperville Park District program, presents its January 2026 production, “Shrek: The Musical,” on the weekends of Jan. 9-11 and 16-18 at Naperville Central High School, 440 Aurora Ave.

The cast has been working hard since early October to bring the whacky world of Duloc to the community.

The story of “Shrek: The Musical” follows an ogre name Shrek and his journey through the Kingdom of Duloc to rid his swamp of banished fairy tale creatures. Along the way, Shrek befriends Donkey and Princess Fiona, and the trio share a hilarious adventure together where they find acceptance and beauty in themselves.

Kevin Loeper, who plays the principal role of Shrek, emphasized the show’s messaging.

“That is a huge message in this show, that you are enough as you are and you don’t have to change for anybody,” Kevin said. “You deserve to find a place to be your authentic self.”

For Mary Ann Shurilla, who plays Princess Fiona, she found her place at Magical Starlight Theatre ahead of her debut production with the community theater company.

“It’s been almost like a home away from home,” Mary Ann said. “Coming into this new space, it’s a lot to get used to, but that’s what rehearsals are for and my experience just got better and better.”

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 1:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets for “Shrek: The Musical” are $20 and can be purchased online at napervilleparks.org/magicalstarlighttheatre, by phone at (630) 848-5000 or during regular business hours at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center and Fort Hill Activity Center until Friday, Jan. 9.

Advanced tickets can be purchased until 4 p.m. on the Friday of the performance weekend. Afterward, tickets must be purchased at the performances for the remainder of the weekend. Tickets purchased at the door are $23.

A sign language interpreter will be present at the 1:30 p.m. Jan 10 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16 performances.