Shrek the Musical Adapts Beloved Character for the Stage

July 17th, 2026

A fairy tale-filled production is currently running at the Ralston Community Theatre: Shrek the Musical. Based on the film of the same name, Shrek the Musical is a stage adaptation that adds many original songs while expanding on the story. Katie Kepler, director of Shrek the Musical, discussed how the musical builds on the original film. Kepler said, “The script itself has done a good job of honoring what that original material is, while still adding depth and the kinds of things that are more typically seen in musical theater.”

Fred Vogel, who plays Shrek, spoke about what it’s like portraying such a well-known character. “It’s been a little challenging because everybody knows Shrek, or most people do,” Vogel said. “I try to make him a little bit different from what people are used to seeing in the movies… It’s interesting to try to figure out what his motivations are every night.”

Kepler said this is her first production with Ralston Community Theatre and highlighted the work of everyone behind the scenes who helped make the show a success, including the stage managers, production design team, and the Ralston Community Theatre board. Vogel finishes stating, “One line in particular, in this show that always rings true to me is, what makes us special, makes us strong. And I think that’s the message, ultimately, that I would want somebody to come away with in this show is… I’m different, but I can still be a hero or, you know, whatever they want to be.”

Ralston Community Theatre’s production of Shrek the Musical will run through July 26. More information can be found at ralstoncommunitytheatre.org.