Event Details
Get ready for a swamp-sized adventure! Curtain Call Theatre's Emily McCabe Musical Theatre Program is proud to present Shrek The Musical JR., a hilarious, heartwarming production starring talented young performers in grades 4-8. Performances will take place July 17-19, 2026, at Lincoln-Way Central High School.
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and the hit Broadway musical, Shrek The Musical JR. proves that beauty truly is in the eye of the ogre. Packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, unforgettable songs, colorful characters, and an inspiring message about embracing what makes us unique, this family-friendly musical is fun for audiences of all ages.
The story follows everyone's favorite grumpy ogre, Shrek, whose peaceful swamp is suddenly overrun by a parade of banished fairy tale characters after the scheming Lord Farquaad exiles them from his kingdom. Joined by an endlessly chatty Donkey, Shrek sets off on an epic quest to rescue the spirited Princess Fiona in hopes of reclaiming his home. Along the way, audiences will encounter dragons, talking animals, magical creatures, and plenty of unexpected twists that remind us all that happily ever after looks different for everyone.
Featuring energetic musical numbers, dazzling costumes, larger-than-life characters, and the incredible enthusiasm of Curtain Call Theatre's summer camp performers, Shrek The Musical JR. celebrates friendship, courage, kindness, and the importance of accepting others — and ourselves — for exactly who we are.
The production is presented through Curtain Call Theatre's Emily McCabe Musical Theatre Program, which provides young performers with the opportunity to develop their theatrical talents while building confidence, creativity, teamwork, and lasting friendships in a supportive environment. The show is directed by Jo O’Brien; her production team includes Maia Hawksworth as Assistant Director, Savannah Riestenberg as Musical Director, Leanna Lewis as Choreographer, and Maggie Kociolek as Activities Director.
The 106 campers are split into a morning and an afternoon camp session: The first cast will be performing Friday night and Saturday afternoon; the second cast will be performing Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
MORNING CAST
Henry Beigel, Zara Biegel, Finnegan Brown, Leah Brown, Allison Casey , Ember Chavez, Charlie Cobb, Margaret Collier, Sloan Cowan, Tallulah Cureton, Alifair Cureton, Valentina D’Avola, Alessia D’Avola, Sophia DeGrave, Leo Drisko, Darla Drisko, Logan Eckhardt, Paul Eckhardt, Jillian Ferin, Zephyr Forsythe, Lilah Freer, Alice Goddard, Kaitlyn Gorman, Connor Hickey, Aubree Karr, Delaney Karr, Harper Kerzman, Tilly Kociolek, Maya Lizak, Adam Lizak, Sophie Lyman, Annabelle Machamer, Kalen Marino, Henry Marschel, Madelyn McCarthy, Frankie McCormick, Morgan McManus, Hazel Minh, Emma Mitchell, Molly Mitoraj, Makenna Multack, Francesca Oriente, Evelyn Pikalek, Addison Powell, Emily Proutsos, Alexia Racette, Mac Rapsky, Zachary Rea, Everly Rigg, Finola Royce, Dean Sheleheda, Madelyn Swanson, Abee Szutenbach, Emmy Weinert, Adeline White, Jordyn Woods, Alexandria Wuchter.
AFTERNOON CAST
Brianna Almodovar, Jolene Biel, Maya Bosley, Abigail Brown, Fox Bradford, Estelle Calvillo, Peyton Candos, Johanna Cavanaugh, Reese Clark, Ariana Conrad, Elliana Dinaso, Colin Drake, Conor Drake, Alexa Eck, Bailey Ellis, Madison Farias, Mackenzie Farias, Elijah Goldman, Malachi Goldman, Beau Gresky, Paighton Griebel, Brooke Huddleston, Madeline Jackiw, Sophia Kennedy, Evelyn Lapperre, Cecily Landriault, Abigail Lewis, Mirabel Miller, Brenden Morin, Sophia Maisuria, Blair McCleish, Kylie Murphy, Oreoluwa Oladele, Rose Pasbrig, Zoey Pence, Ella Ramirez, Adeline Santiago, Isabella Scott, Mackenzie Shulman, Siena Scribner, Gray Senese, Grant Smith, Emmy Skotnicki, Isla Mangnall, Harper Thompson, Madison Thompson, Henry Thorns, Sydney Walk, Nora Wyatt.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of Shrek or introducing the story to a new generation, this enchanting musical promises laughs, adventure, and a reminder that what makes us different is what makes us extraordinary.
Bring the whole family and experience a "big bright beautiful world" this July with Curtain Call Theatre's production of Shrek The Musical JR.
Performance Dates:
Saturday, July 18 at 7:00 PM & Sunday, July 19 at 2:00 PM (MORNING CAST)
Friday, July 17 at 7:00 pm & Saturday, July 18 at 2:00 PM (AFTERNOON CAST)
Location: Lincoln-Way Central High School — 1801 E. Lincoln Highway New Lenox, IL 60451
Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for children/students/seniors. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ccctheatre.com or call the box office at (708) 607-2281.
SHREK THE MUSICAL JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com