Patrick A’Hearn, 
CEO and Producing Artistic Director 
presents

SHREK THE MUSICAL

Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig 

Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions

Original Production Directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford

Shrek The Musical Theatre for Young Audiences Version premiered at The Coterie, Kansas City, MO; Jeff Church Producing Artistic Director, Anthony Edwards Music Director.

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

Once upon a time, in a swamp not so far away, a grumpy ogre discovered that the best stories aren't about being someone else. They're about becoming fully, unapologetically yourself. That’s the heart of Shrek the Musical. Shrek has become a beloved story for so many of us, whether because of the film or stage adaptation. But underneath the humor and heart is something deeper. It's a story about self-discovery, self-acceptance, and the joy of finding where we belong. This new-age fairytale brings those ideas to life as we follow an ogre, a talking donkey, and an unconventional princess on a journey filled with unforgettable characters.

We're living in a moment when it's easy to feel divided, and so much of that division starts within us, in the parts of ourselves we're afraid to show the world. Shrek blows that struggle up to fairy-tale proportions, mixing beloved characters with modern pop-culture wit to remind us that the people who seem most different from us usually aren't. None of us are meant to make this journey alone.

At Riverside Center, we believe theater should send audiences home a little lighter and joy-filled than when they arrived, and few stories do that better than this one. It's been an honor directing this remarkable cast, who dove headfirst into the swamp and found their own sense of belonging. None of it would've been possible without the incredible creative team I've had the privilege of building this world alongside.

So get a little swampy, peel back those layers, wave your freak flag, and enjoy the trip. We've loved every minute of bringing it to life for our community. Welcome to the swamp!

With Gratitude,

-Aaron Thomas Moore

Understudies
Robert Gallant (Shrek/Wolf), Veronica Schoenster (Fiona), Kyle Donovan (Donkey), Riley Pugh (Farquaad) Chloe Lu McCarty    (Dragon)

Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance.        

Act 1
Overture/Big Bright Beautiful World
Shrek and Ensemble

Story Of My Life
Ensemble

Story Of My Life - Tag
Ensemble

The Goodbye Song
Ensemble

What's Up, Duloc? (Part 1)
Ensemble

What's Up, Duloc? (Part 2)
Farquaad and Ensemble

What's Up, Duloc? (Reprise)
Farquaad and Ensemble

I Know It's Today
Young Fiona, Teen Fiona, Fiona

Travel Song
Shrek and Donkey

Forever
Dragon, Donkey and Ensemble

This is How Dreams Come True
Fiona

Who I'd Be
Shrek, Fiona, Donkey

Act 2
Morning Person
Fiona

I Think I Got You Beat
Shrek and Fiona

Air Guitar Crossover
Shrek and Fiona

Make A Move
Donkey, Three Blind Mice

When Words Fail
Shrek

Morning Person (Reprise)
Fiona

The Arrival of Farquaad
Farquaad

Big Bright Beautiful World (Reprise #2)
Shrek

Freak Flag 
Ensemble

Big Bright Beautiful World (Reprise #3) 
Shrek

Finale (This Is Our Story)
Ensemble

ASHANTI SYMONE BRANCH (Dragon & Others), is a Virginia–based actress, choreographer, and teaching artist. Her Regional credits include Summer, The Donna Summer Musical (Swing) at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, Push The Button (Journalist & Choreographer) at Keegan Theatre, and The Color Purple (Nettie) at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. Her Theme park credits include Kings Dominion: WinterFest (Santa Snoopy). Her Dance credits include The Commanders Command Force (2022 Semifinalist & Finalist) and Kings Dominion & MoonMaxx Productions: Haunt Masquerade Original Cast (Scare Dancer). Additional favorite roles: Beauty and the Beast (Babette Puppeteer & Co Choreographer), Junie B. Jones The Musical (Lucille & Choreographer), and Hairspray (Lil Inez). She holds a BFA in Journalism with a minor in Theater from Hampton University. She also coaches a local color guard team for SCPS.

ERIN CHAVES (Gingy & Others), is beyond excited to be returning to the Riverside Center after appearing in James and the Giant Peach earlier this year! Favorite regional credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hermia, Richmond Shakespeare), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience (Virginia Repertory Theatre), Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical (Penelope Square, Playhouse on Park), and The Hello Girls (Grace Banker, Brownville Village Theatre). Special thanks to her loved ones for their endless support and a huge thank you to you, the audience, for supporting live theatre. Enjoy the show! erinchaves.com 

KYLE DONOVAN (Pinocchio & Others, u/s Donkey), graduated from George Mason University with a BA in Music and a Minor in Theater. He has studied various vocal styles such as Classical, Jazz and Musical Theater with professors John Aler, Darden Purcell and Jim Van Slyke. Performance experience includes Way Off Broadway's production of Tootsie as well as Workhouse's production of Evil Dead as Ash. In the future Kyle plans to continue performing in the DMV area.

ROBERT GALLANT (Pig & Others, u/s Shrek & Wolf), is a Virginia–based actor, singer, dancer, and choreographer with a passion for dynamic storytelling across stage and screen. Regional credits include Verdi’s Aida (Priest) and The Rocky Horror Show (Phantom). He has toured nationally with Paw Patrol Live! Heroes Unite! (Mayor Humdinger) in partnership with Nickelodeon, Cirque du Soleil, and VSTAR Entertainment Group. Film and Television credits include The Night Shift (Rick) and Homeland (Military Officer). Additional favorite roles: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Potiphar/Ruben), Oklahoma (Fred), The Nutcracker (Party Guest/Mouse King understudy), The Wizard of Oz (The Cowardly Lion), Godspell (Jesus), You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown), and Beauty and the Beast (Maurice). He holds a BA in Spanish and Dance from Radford University, where he also studied Theater, and continues his training with Stella Adler Center for the Arts.

JOSHUA GENTRY (Wolf & Others), is thrilled to make his Riverside Center debut in Shrek the Musical TYA. Some of his favorite credits include High School Musical (Troy Bolton), Les Misérables: School Edition (Javert), Sweeney Todd: School Edition (Anthony), Anastasia (Dmitry), and Into the Woods (Cinderella's Prince/Wolf). When Josh is not performing you can probably find him hanging out with his friends and whistling a tune.

OSCAR MADSON (Lord Farquaad), is an actor from King George County, who is thrilled to be performing at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. Favorite credits include Jack Kelly in Newsies, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Hermes in Hadestown, and Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Oscar is passionate about music and performance. He would like to thank his family, friends, and his amazing girlfriend for their endless love and support.

CHLOE LU MCCARTY (Mama Bear & Others, u/s Dragon), is thrilled to be back at Riverside Center! Regional credits include White Christmas (Riverside Center), Frozen (Fulton Theatre), Sweet Charity (Montgomery Theatre), and various singer & dancer roles at Dorney Park, Legoland NY, & Six Flags. Chloe Lu is a proud graduate of the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University - BFA Musical Theatre with a concentration in Dance. Huge thanks to her family and friends for their love and support! @chloeludancer | www.chloelumccarty.com

KHANNER MILAN (Donkey), is a Washington, DC metropolitan-based performing artist who is thrilled to return to Riverside Center for the Arts in Shrek TYA. Previous Riverside credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Janelle Woods), Jesus Christ Superstar (Ensemble), SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical, and Guys and Dolls (Ensemble). Other regional credits include School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play (Paulina, NextStop Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal, Workhouse Arts), The Drowsy Chaperone (Swing), and Cabaret (Fritzie). Favorite roles include Squeak (The Color Purple), Felicia (Memphis), and Lady in Blue (For Colored Girls). A fourth-generation HBCU graduate of Hampton University, Khanner is the reigning Mrs. Virginia Regency International, where she champions resilience, relationships, and real-life restoration through her H.O.P.E. platform. Follow her journey at #KatchKhanner and www.khannermilan.com.

CLAY W. MUIR (Shrek), is a DMV/New York–based actor, singer, and choreographer, thrilled to return to Riverside again for Shrek TYA! Regional credits include Avenue Q (Brian), Guys and Dolls (Rusty Charlie), White Christmas (u/s Bob), James and the Giant Peach (Centipede), Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Giorgio), The Merchant of Venice (Salarino), and Footloose (Lyle) at Cumberland Theatre. He has also performed with RWS Global at Hersheypark in Yule Lounge and Whacky Witches Brew. Favorite roles include Daddy Murphy (Bright Star) and Tommy Ross (Carrie: The Musical). Clayton holds a BFA in Musical Theatre and a BA in Dance from West Virginia University. Offstage, he enjoys gaming, anime, and spreading joy through storytelling. He thanks his family, friends, and mentors for their endless support. Enjoy the show! Follow me at: Clay.w.muir

ISLA PHILLIPS (Young Fiona, Baby Bear, & Others), is ecstatic to be performing again with the amazing talent at Riverside Center in one of her “bucket-list” shows, Shrek. She is a senior at LUOA and has been performing since 2015. A few of her most memorable performances include: Upper Room Theatre Ministry’s Fiddler on the Roof (Freida), Logos Theatre’s The Man Without a Country (Kathryn), Riverside Center’s The Sound of Music (Louisa von Trapp), Riverside Center’s Willy Wonka (Violet Beauregarde), as well as Windmore Foundation for the Arts/Culpeper State Theatre’s Little Women (Beth March). Isla enjoys being on her farm, spending time with family, and of course, being on the stage - as she will be pursuing a BFA in musical theater at Liberty University. Isla would like to give all the glory to God as well as thank her parents for their constant support and encouragement. See you in the swamp!

RILEY PUGH (Pig & Others, u/s Farquaad), is excited to be back at Riverside! You may have recently seen him in Riverside Center’s production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. He is a Fredericksburg native who graduated from James Madison University (Go Dukes!) where he received his BA in Musical Theatre. Some of his notable collegiate credits include: The Last Five Years (Jamie) and The Light in the Piazza (Signor Naccarelli). He would like to thank his family and friends, the creative team, and to you as well for supporting the live arts. Follow along his journey at: www.rileypugh.com or @riley.e.pugh 

VERONICA SCHOENSTER (Pig & Others, u/s Fiona), (she/her) is exited to return to Riverside Center in the production of Shrek the Musical. She is also in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. She has been a performer at Kings Dominion as JT in Charlie Brown Hoedown, Sounds of the Nativity and Octoberfest. Her theater roles include: James and the Giant Peach! and Seussical Jr (Ensemble) Riverside Center, Chick's Diner (Marie) Louisa Arts Center. She choreographed Matilda at LAC and Newsies for LCHS. Community Theatre Roles: The Prom (Alyssa Greene) 4CP, The Lightning Theif (Annabeth Chase) Live Arts, Chicago (Velma Kelly) LCHS, Mean Girls (Regina George) LCHS, and Peter Pan (Tinker Bell) LCHS. Veronica has trained in NYC at ACANY and TRAIN Pre-Pro theater program in Richmond. She’s trained in many dance techniques. Her hobbies are piano, ukulele, guitar and singing live at local venues.

ABIGAIL WEINEL (Princess Fiona), is excited to be back at the Riverside Center. Past Credits include; Riverside Center: Guys and Dolls (Female Swing/Us. Adelaide/ Us. Cartwright,) White Christmas (Ensemble Us/ Betty,) The Sound of Music (Sister Sophia,) Rochester Opera House: Annie (Ensemble Us/Hannigan,) Riverside Center: Jesus Christ Superstar (Ensemble Us/Herod, Us/Annas,) Seussical (Mayzie/Dance Captain,) Rochester Opera House: A Christmas Carol (Mrs. Fezziwig/US. Present,) Rochester Opera House: Beauty and The Beast (Mrs. Potts,) Riverside Center: The Wizard of Oz (Ensemble/US. Witch,) Classic Theatre of Maryland: Gypsy (Mazeppa/Ensemble,) First Stage: Quilters (Ensemble,) Compass Rose: The Wizard of Oz (Lion/Aunt Em,) and Virginia Musical Theatre: The Full Monty (Vicki Nichols). @Abigail Weinel on Instagram

DAVID  LINDSAY-ABAIRE (Book and Lyrics) is a Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, screenwriter, lyricist and librettist. His most recent show, the musical Kimberly Akimbo, written with composer Jeanine Tesori, premiered off Broadway at the Atlantic Theater Co., where it won the Lortel, NYDCC, OCC and Drama Desk Awards for Best Musical before it moved to Broadway and won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score as well as a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. His play Good People premiered on Broadway at MTC, was awarded the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play, The Horton Foote Prize, The Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award, and two Tony nominations. His play Rabbit Hole also premiered on Broadway at MTC and received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, five Tony nominations, and the Spirit of America Award. David also wrote the book and lyrics for Shrek the Musical (Jeanine Tesori, composer), which was nominated for eight Tonys, four Oliviers, a Grammy, and earned David the Kleban Prize as America’s most promising musical theatre lyricist. His newest play, The Balusters, premiers on Broadway at MTC in April 2026, directed by Kenny Leon. David’s other plays include Ripcord, Fuddy Meers, Kimberly Akimbo and Wonder of the World which all premiered at MTC, as as well as A Devil Inside at Soho Rep. In addition to his work in theatre, David's screen credits include his film adaptation of Rabbit Hole (starring Nicole Kidman, Oscar nomination), Dreamworks’ Rise of the Guardians, and The Family Fang, among others. He is also, along with Tanya Barfield, Co-Director of the Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program at the Juilliard School.

JEANINE TESORI (Music Composer) is a composer of musical theater, opera, and film. She is a two-time recipient of the Tony Award for Best Score and a two-time Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. In 2015, she and Lisa Kron became the first female team to win the Tony for Best Score for Fun Home. Her other works include Kimberly Akimbo (with David Lindsay-Abaire); Soft Power (David Henry-Hwang); Caroline, or Change (Tony Kushner); Mother Courage and Her Children (Tony Kushner); Twelfth Night (LCT), Violet (Brian Crawley); Thoroughly Modern Millie (Dick Scanlan); and Shrek The Musical (David Lindsay-Abaire). For her opera, Grounded (with librettist George Brant), she became one of the first two women to be commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera, and the first woman in its history to open a season. Her operas include A Blizzard on Marblehead Neck (Tony Kushner); The Lion, The Unicorn and Me (J. D. McClatchy); and Blue (Tazewell Thompson), which received the MCANA Award for Best New Opera. Tesori is the founding Artistic Director of New York City Center’s Encores! Off-Center Series. She is the co-creator of the Cast Album Project, with Taneisha Duggan and Anne Kauffman, and tall poppy, a mentoring and micro-financing initiative co-founded with Darren Biggart and Torya Beard. She was the Supervising Vocal Producer on Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and wrote the score for numerous Disney animated sequels, including Mulan 2 (with Alexa Junge). Graduate of Barnard College and a Professor of Practice at Yale University. Proud member of The Dramatists Guild.

JASON MOORE (Co-Director Original Production) Broadway: Avenue Q, Steel Magnolias. Carnegie Hall: Jerry Springer: The Opera. Off-Broadway: Speech and Debate (Roundabout), Avenue Q (the Vineyard), Guardians (the Culture Project), The Crumple Zone. Associate directing: Les Misérables (Broadway, national tour), Ragtime (Vancouver). Writer: The Floatplane Notebooks (Charlotte Repertory Theatre). TV directing: episodes of Dawson’s Creek, Everwood, One Tree Hill, and Brothers and Sisters. Jason has a BS in performance studies from Northwestern University.

ROB ASHFORD (Co-Director Original Production) won the 2012 Olivier Award for his production of Anna Christie starring Jude Law and Ruth Wilson at London's Donmar Warehouse. The production opened to rave reviews with The Independent's anointing it as "picture perfect" and David Benedict stating that "the production's hallmark is its boldness." Rob most recently directed the Broadway revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof starring Scarlett Johansson, and Macbeth with Sir Kenneth Branagh at New York's Park Avenue Armory and The Manchester International Festival. The Telegraph claimed "This is a Macbeth that won't just go down as a highlight of the Manchester International Festival but as one of the Scottish Play's great revivals," and Ben Brantley of the New York Times proclaimed "Mr. Ashford uses his experience as a celebrated director of musicals to stunning, time-bending effect." Rob received his 8th Tony Nomination for his work on the Broadway revival of Evita starring Ricky Martin, and received the Tony Award for his work on the Broadway production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. Other Broadway credits include How to Succeed in Business (Tony Award Nominations for his direction and choreography), Promises, Promises (Tony Award Nomination), Shrek, John Water's Cry Baby (Tony Award nomination, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Fred Astaire Awards), Curtains (Tony Award nomination), and Wedding Singer (Tony Award nomination). In London, Rob also directed the highly acclaimed Olivier Award winning revivals of A Streetcar Named Desire starring Rachel Weisz and Parade at The Donmar Warehouse. Rob did the choreography and staging for last year's Academy Awards with Seth MacFarlane and won the 2009 Emmy Award for Best Choreography for his work on Baz Luhrmann's production number (featuring Hugh Jackman and Beyoncé) at the 81st Annual Academy Awards. He has also choreographed the opening number for The Tony Awards starring Neil Patrick Harris for the past 4 years. He choreographed the feature film Beyond The Sea directed by and starring Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey and Walt Disney Production's upcoming film Cinderella directed by Kenneth Branagh. Most recently, Rob directed and choreographed NBC's The Sound of Music Live!, for which he received a DGA Award Nomination, and this January directed The Barber of Seville at Chicago Lyric Opera. Rob is an Associate Director at The Old Vic Theatre. He also serves on the Executive Board of The Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers and is a Trustee of The Joyce Theatre in New York City.

PATRICK A'HEARN (CEO and Producing Artistic Director), Is the CEO and Producing Artistic Director at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. He enters his 15th year at Riverside Center, leading the company’s transition into a professional regional theater and its status as a 501-C3 Nonprofit organization. Patrick has directed over 30 plus shows at Riverside and received many accolades and awards for his direction. Most notably groundbreaking are productions of Les Misérables, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Ragtime,  The Wizard of Oz, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls, and most recently Sweeney Todd. Mr. A’Hearn was a member of the original Broadway cast of Les Misérables and can be heard on the original cast recording. He has appeared on Broadway and in the national tours of Les Misérables, Chicago (with Chita Rivera and Ben Vereen), The Phantom of the Opera, The King and I (starring Rudolph Nureyev), The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber (with Michael Crawford), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (with Andy Gibb), as well as in the acclaimed Forbidden Broadway in New York. He was featured in the world premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem Variations, performed as Marvin Hamlisch’s principal vocalist in Mr. Hamlisch’s Concert Tour, and appeared as Freddy in My Fair Lady in the European tour starring Maximillian Schell. Patrick has performed principal roles at many regional theaters across the United States, most notably the title role in The Student Prince with Jerome Hines and Christine Andreas. A featured soloist in Broadway Pops programs with major symphonic orchestras throughout the U.S., Patrick has released two nationally distributed CDs: Patterns of the Heart and By George! —The Music of George Gershwin. He assisted Trevor Nunn and John Caird in the staging of the first national tour of Les Misérables.

AARON THOMAS MOORE (Director/Choreographer), (he/him) is a director, choreographer, singer, actor, and educator. He holds a Master’s in Theatre from Regent University and a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Valdosta State University. Aaron has had an exciting theatre career spanning from Principal Vocalist for Norwegian Cruise Lines to his current job as Production Manager right here at Riverside Center. Aaron is grateful for every opportunity to create theatre magic and counts it an honor to lead this wonderfully talented cast of swamp dwellers. He thanks his family and friends for their love and continued support along the journey.  @aaronthomasmoore

ELLIE KAHN (Music Director) (she/her) is a music director, vocalist, keyboardist, voice teacher, improv MD, and Emmy-winning composer (Manning & Kahn). Riverside credits include Little Women (Music Director/Conductor) and associate conductor/dialect coach for Guys & Dolls and Sweeney Todd. Selected REGIONAL: Come From Away (Virginia Rep.; Milwaukee Rep.), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Drury Lane; Marriott Theatre), Always… Patsy Cline (Drury Lane),  The Little Mermaid (Drury Lane), Finding Nemo (Marriott Theatre), Fun Home (Paramount Theatre), Run Bambi Run (world premiere, Milwaukee Rep). Ellie is a Professor of Musical Theatre Voice at VCU. Member of the music teams for SIX (US & international), the critically acclaimed Baby Wants Candy and SHamilton (Second City, Chicago), and Syd Norman’s Pour House onboard Norwegian Cruise Line. Thanks to Meem & Dad, Aaron, Sally, & this entire gorgeous cast of creatures. #AbolitionIsLove @elliekahn_        

SALLY WALPOLE (Co-Choreographer), Sally is so excited to be co-choreographer for Shrek: The Musical! Choreographer credits: Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, Junie B. Jones The Musical!, The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, The Sound of Music. Performance credits: White Christmas (Rita), Jesus Christ Superstar (featured dancer), The Wizard of Oz (tree #1), 42nd Street (Gladys), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamboat (ensemble), Escape to Margaritaville (ensemble), Grease (Cha- Cha DiGregorio), South Pacific (Liat), A Chorus Line (Connie Wong), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Alice), The Wedding Singer (Imelda Marcos impersonator), Spamalot (Laker girl), West Side Story (Francisca), White Christmas (Rita), Anything Goes (Charity), Trouble at the Tropicana (Rosita Bicardi), Peter Pan (Tiger Lily). Sally teaches dance classes at The Fredericksburg Studio of the Arts and is a choreographer for the studio’s award-winning competition team. Many thanks to Mommy, Daddy, and Kendric for all their love and support!

CHRISTIAN FLEMING (Scenic Design) Recent credits include Gene & Gilda (Off-Broadway), Outside In (Lincoln Center), and the new play Flawless (Penguin Rep). His work has been seen around the country at companies like Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Opera, Titusville Playhouse, Arizona Broadway Theatre, Nebraska Shakespeare, Pittsburgh Playhouse, New London Barn, and the REV. Christian’s work has been recognized internationally at World Stage Design ‘22.and PQ23 and a USITT Scene Design Award. MFA Carnegie Mellon. @christianflemingdesign       

GABRIEL BEARD (Lighting Designer), Gabriel (he/him) is a lighting designer and theatrical technician based in the Richmond area. He holds a B.F.A. in Lighting Design from Virginia Commonwealth University, and is currently the House Electrician at the Altria Theater. Selected design credits include: JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH and JUNIE B JONES (Riverside Center for the Performing Arts), THE WILD PARTY (VCU Theatre, 1st Place SETC 2025 Undergraduate Lighting Design Competition), and A CAMPY CHRISTMAS (Richmond Triangle Players). For more, visit gabrielabeard.com. 

SARA CLARK (Costume Designer), is nearing her first year with Riverside as the Costume Shop Manager and is so excited to bring her creativity to life once again with Shrek the Musical! She is a recent graduate of Hollins University in Roanoke, VA where she got her BA in theatre. This is her second show designing at Riverside, but her debut as a costume designer was for the New York Theatre Festival 2025 for Ain't That the Way Love's Supposed to Be, an original work. 

BETHANY CHEEK (Wig Designer), is thrilled to be a part of Shrek team as wig designer and resident design assistant! She started with the costume department in 2019 as a child wrangler and dresser for Annie. Bethany transitioned into the role of costume shop first hand and wig supervisor in 2024. Some of her favorite shows she has worked on include: Ragtime, 42nd Street, Jersey Boys, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Little Women. So much love and thanks to my family, friends, and Cody.

JUSTICE CRAIG (they/them; Sound Designer) Justice is a Richmond-based sound designer with recent credits including The Mousetrap, Guys & Dolls, Lion King Jr, Mr. Burns a Post Electric Play, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, SMOKE, and Twelfth Night. They are passionate about sound’s role in storytelling and grateful to collaborate with this team.     

REILLY COOPER (Properties Master), Reilly is so excited to be heading to the swamp with the Riverside team to bring Shrek to the stage. Reilly began working as an overhire with Riverside in August of 2021, before working his way up to the Props Master position, working jobs in the shop, backstage, and even on stage along the way. Select RCPA credits; Bright Star, Camelot, Nunsense, Miracle on 34th Street, Jersey Boys, Next to Normal, Sound of Music. Design Credits; Newsies (Actor's Theater), Little Shop of Horrors (Actor's Theater/ Broadway World Award Nominee). Thank you, Mom, Dad, Tori, and the girls. Averett University BFA.