Above / The sign on Shrek’s swamp warns trespassers when the musical based on the animated feature film is staged at Naperville Central High School. (Photo courtesy Naperville Park District)
Magical Starlight Theatre, a Naperville Park District program, presents its January 2026 production, Shrek: The Musical, the weekends of January 9-11 and 16-18 at Naperville Central High School, located at 440 Aurora Ave. The cast of Shrek: The Musical 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,” said Loeper. “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,” said Shurilla. “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.”
Advance tickets available before Friday showtimes
Advance tickets are $20 for Shrek: The Musical. Tickets 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.
Advance tickets can be purchased until 4PM on the Friday of the performance weekends. Afterward, tickets must be purchased at the performances for the remainder of the weekend. Tickets purchased at the door are $23.
