What follows is a Q&A Interview with Brittney-Lee Lowey, Director of Shrek: The Musical, now playing on the Auburn Stage at the Grand Theatre until May 17. The Interview was conducted by The Beat Magazine’s Publisher & Content Manager, Richard Young.
Q. Tell me about Shrek: The Musical — backstory, author, performance history, etc
Shrek: The Musical was written by David Lindsay-Abaire (Book and Lyrics) and Jeanine Tesori (Music), based on the DreamWorks movie from 2001, as well as the children’s book by William Steig. The musical premiered in 2008, and original cast members included Brian D’Arcy James, Sutton Foster, and Daniel Breaker as Shrek, Fiona and Donkey.
Q. What prompted MTP to select Shrek for its Spring production?
I’ve been applying with this show for years, and I finally wore the season planning committee down. Jokes aside, 2026 is the 25th anniversary of the film coming out, so it seemed like the perfect time to stage this production. There’s a scene in the show where Shrek and Donkey talk about ogres and how they have layers, just like an onion. Well, that’s also true of this show – on the outside, this show seems silly. But when you peel it back, it’s actually a really lovely story about finding love, not just platonic and romantic love, but also self-love and acceptance. In a time where it’s not always easy to be yourself, a show that embraces your differences and encourages you to “let your freak flag fly” is important to hear.
Q. Could you provide a brief plot synopsis?
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek…” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.
Q. Shrek has been staged several times by different troupes in the London area in recent years. What sets MTPs’ production apart from the others?
This show is usually a huge spectacle show, but being in the Auburn Stage has challenged us to scale this back, and this approach has actually allowed us to focus on the talent of the actors and production team. This doesn’t mean there aren’t showstopping moments, especially in a lot of the choreography and vocal moments; we just have a lot more room to show that. For example, by not having a huge puppet for the Dragon, we can focus on the talents of our three actors, Amelia, Ahrielle, and Celine, who are free to do choreography on top of their impressive vocals in their big number.
Q. Could you comment on your lead actors — Adriano Burgo, Dwight P. Anderson and Rosalie Mattison?
In both their individual moments and their time together onstage, they are so genuine and confident in the portrayals of their characters. They knew how they wanted to play the characters right away, and have only gotten stronger with each rehearsal and now performance. Adriano has such sincerity in his role as Shrek, and brings the heart and earnestness of Shrek out; Dwight has really found the humour and charisma with Donkey, and in his first musical ever, has really made his mark; and Rosalie combines the delicate and fiery qualities of Fiona to perfection. We really lucked out having them, not only onstage, but offstage, where they’ve been instrumental in getting this show up on its feet.
Q. How would you describe the sets, props, and costumes of the play?
My vision when pitching this show was to focus a lot on the children’s book that the movie is based on, a “Live Storybook”; bright and colourful, and looking like they were ripped from the pages of said book. Siblings Haley and Griffen Helm beautifully tied our set together with a large storybook centre stage, setting up each scene with a backdrop, and putting the characters right there in the story. As each page gets peeled away, the audience is invited into the book as it comes alive around them.
Q. What can audiences expect from Shrek: The Musical?
Whenever I watch the show, which has been a lot now, I’m constantly impressed by the care and fun the cast is injecting into their performances. Their vocals, dance moves, and characters are so polished, and I’m genuinely blown away by the level of talent on that stage every time. The lighting design by Joe Recchia is also beautiful, and complements the set so well.
Q. Is there anything else you think readers should know about the show?
The show is rated 7+, and contains minor profanity, mild rude humour, violence, use of haze and loud noises. Audiences are encouraged to dress up as their favourite fairytale character on Wednesday, May 13th. May 15th is also our Understudy Performance, and audiences can see Michael Heath in the role of Shrek, as well as Lucas McHugh featured in new roles as their swing.
CAST:
Shrek – Adriano Burgo
Donkey – Dwight P. Anderson
Fiona – Rosalie Mattison
Lord Farquaad – Leo Sigut
Gingy – Eden Eidt
Pinocchio – Cameran Shalatski
Dragon – Amelia Hilton
Child Fiona – Emily Molina
Child Shrek – Tevin Pritchett-White
Teen Fiona – Tessa Pritchett-White
Ensemble – Keirah Buckley, Matt Butler, Nicole Chapple, Niamh Coady, Lauren daSilva, Michael Heath, Mariana Hrnjak, Elvis Ibekwe, Solange Kirkwood, Natalia Martin, Lucas McHugh, Celine Medeiros, Olivia Power, Haven Raeburn-Gibson, Duncan Sizeland, Ahrielle Tilson Diaz, Ewen Van Wagner
CREW:
Director – Brittney-Lee Lowey
Assistant Director – Emilie Forrat
Choreographer – Stephany Pritchett
Music Director – Jaclyn Cunneyworth
Rehearsal/Show Pianist – Juan Giraldo
Stage Manager – Aleesa Prendergast
Assistant Stage Managers – Sam Stack-Couture, Samantha Takacs
Props Master – Alyssa Palma
Lighting Designer – Joe Recchia
Set Designer – Haley Helm
Set Illustrator – Griffen Helm
Set Construction Coordinator – Gerry Johnston
Hair and Makeup Team – Rachelle Goebel, Rebecca Jiang, Cate Connell, Jordann Atha
IF YOU GO:
What: Musical Theatre Productions presents Shrek: The Musical.
Where: Auburn Stage at the Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond St., London, Ontario
When: May 7 to 17, 2026
Tickets: Call the Grand Theatre Box Office by phone at (519) 672-8800, and online at https://www.grandtheatre.com.
Q&A Interview Conducted by Richard Young, Publisher & Content Manager of The Beat Magazine 2025.
Read Kim’s Kaitell’s Review here: https://thebeatmagazine2025.ca/2026/05/08/enthusiasm-and-talent-abound-at-mtps-shrek-the-musical/
The Beat Magazine 2025 