December 21 - December 31, 2023
43rd Season
152nd Production

KYLE A. DOUGAN
Producing Artistic Director

Presents
Shrek

Shrek The Musical
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 
www.mtishows.com

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

JOYCE SAXON is the 2023 Music Theater Works Season Sponsor.

“Once upon a time…” When I hear those words I am transported to my childhood filled with anticipation and excitement of what was to come next. Perhaps it would be a great adventure? Or an epic love story? As a child I would be swept up in the tale. I would cheer for the Hero and wish with the Princess. But I often found myself dissatisfied with the treatment of the unwanteds, the misfits, the others. As I grew up I began to understand that these stories are teaching tools for shaping a society that functions. And, while often kindness was at the heart of the story, or perhaps the solution to the problem, there were still others who the kindness did not extend to. And very often these undesirables are described in very specific and derogatory language that is easily weaponized in the real world.

I also found myself questioning the strict casting of these stories. Why does the Princess always have to sit and wait to be rescued? Why does the Hero always have to be brave and violent? Shrek and Fiona start on individual quests to fulfill what they have been taught their story is. Only to discover that what they were told was true about themselves, the thing they need to change, the problem they need to solve, is actually their truth. That being seen for who you truly are is better than fitting in the mold of the status quo.

And so, as a parent I sought out new narratives. Stories to teach my children kindness andacceptance of everyone, including themselves. I want them to understand that the Troll under the bridge has a story and deserves to be seen. They don’t need to earn it, it is their right.

We live in a changing and challenging world. Farquaad is a ridiculous and hysterical representation of very real and dangerous leaders. Fairytales offer us an opportunity to explore the lens that we view the world through. They can open up conversations with our families and friends that are framed in a way that even the youngest child can grasp. There are very real lessons to learn from SHREK, THE MUSICAL wrapped in a delightfully flatualant bow. I hope you and your family enjoy this irreverent and heartfelt fairytale. That it brings you as much joy as it has brought to me. And that it sparks empathy and conversations for days to come.

Happy Holidays from my family to yours,

Did you love the projections we were able to use for SHREK? 

This added dimension to our stage design was made possible by a generous in kind donation from longtime supporter Robert “Bob” Markey, whose gift of our media and projection computer system made this possible.

We’ve really loved the extra technical and image elements in our shows this season; the “marquee” boards in Avenue Q, the TV screens in PIPPIN (that almost became another character!). 

You’ll be seeing more and more image technology in our shows, thanks to donors like Bob who met a need.

Thank you, Bob, for being such an amazing friend.

Kyle Dougan
Producing Artistic Director

Would you like to help with our production needs? Here’s a wish list of items that can help.

• Storage for our Sets and Props
• Projector
• Revolving platform and motor
• Microphones

Email Chris Chase, Production Manager cchase@musictheaterworks.org

Ann Tennes, The Walder Foundation, Kalena Chevalier, Evanston Public Library

(Musicians are members of Chicago Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208)