Shrek The Musical at Clark Center For The Performing Arts

“Shrek the Musical” Roars to Life This July with Central Coast Theatre Company’s Enchanting Production

By Broadway World Contributor

Get ready for a swamp-load of laughs, heart, and high-energy musical fun! Central Coast Theatre Company is thrilled to present its upcoming production of Shrek the Musical, playing July 10 and 11 at 7 PM, with two performances on July 12 at 2 PM and 7 PM. This family-friendly favorite brings all the beloved characters from the iconic DreamWorks film to the stage—complete with big laughs, big songs, and even bigger personalities.

At the center of this hilarious fairytale is Jon Estes, stepping into the oversized shoes (and green makeup) of everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek. Though new to the stage, Estes has already made a splash in the Central Coast theatre scene, recently appearing in The Wizard of Oz and Beauty and the Beast with Opera San Luis Obispo. As Shrek, he brings warmth, wit, and vocal power to a role that blends comedy with surprising emotional depth. This production marks a milestone for Estes, whose larger-than-life performance is sure to leave audiences cheering.

Joining him is Alexx Asencio as Princess Fiona, a no-nonsense, karate-kicking royal with a secret of her own. Asencio brings a charming mix of sweetness and sass to Fiona—plus some powerhouse vocals in songs like “I Know It’s Today” and “Morning Person.”

Hunter McCormick takes on the role of the fast-talking, wisecracking Donkey, Shrek’s unlikely sidekick. With boundless energy and comedic timing to match, McCormick makes Donkey a total scene-stealer, especially in the show-stopping number “Don’t Let Me Go.”

Rounding out the principal cast is a delightful group of fairytale misfits, royals, and dragons—literally!

• Landen Sheridan struts onto the stage (on his knees!) as the vertically-challenged villain Lord Farquaad, delivering laugh-out-loud physical comedy and villainy with flair in “What’s Up, Duloc?”
• Gracie Dodson belts her way into our hearts as the sassy and soulful Dragon, whose smoky vocals in “Forever” will have you wanting more.
• Alex Newton gives a wooden yet wonderfully human performance as Pinocchio, the nose-growing puppet who leads the fairytale creatures in the rousing anthem “Freak Flag.”

With a cast of over 50 talented performers, Shrek the Musical is a true ensemble piece. Audiences can look forward to memorable numbers like “Big Bright Beautiful World,” “I’m a Believer,” and “Make a Move,” each packed with humor, heart, and toe-tapping joy. Whether you’re an ogre or a noble steed, there’s something for everyone in this dazzling production.

The show is co-directed by real-life married couple Sean and Victoria Prado-Woodring, whose collaborative vision brings both the magic and the message of Shrek to life. Their leadership ensures that every swampy corner of the story is filled with love, laughter, and lessons about self-acceptance. The production is further elevated by the dynamic choreography of Joel Wadlow, adding sparkle and movement to every number.

At its heart, Shrek the Musical is a story about discovering the beauty in our differences, defying expectations, and finding your tribe—even if it’s made up of a talking donkey and a cursed princess. Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical event that proves happily ever afters don’t always look the way you expect.

Tickets are available now—come laugh, cheer, and let your freak flag fly with Central Coast Theatre Company this July!

Authors

• David Lindsay-Abaire
• Jeanine Tesori
• William Steig

Tony Awards and Nominations for Shrek The Musical