Ogres, Donkeys, and Dragons, Oh My!
SHREK the Musical at the Capitol Theatre
Once upon a time, in a not-so-far-away kingdom (also known as downtown Moncton), a familiar ogre is making his way to the stage. The Capitol Theatre’s production of SHREK the Musical is bringing big laughs, plenty of heart, and a whole lot of fairy-tale fun to New Brunswick audiences.
Based on the beloved film, SHREK turns the classic fairy tale on its head, celebrating misfits, friendship, and the idea that being yourself is the real happily-ever-after. Whether you’re planning a full “dress-up and go out” moment or keeping it low-key at home, New Brunswick has plenty of ways to turn friendship into a whole vibe.
Even better, this SHREK is firmly rooted in New Brunswick. From the Capitol Theatre’s commitment to large-scale musical theatre to the local performers bringing these iconic characters to life, this production is as much a celebration of community as it is of fairy-tale chaos.
Before the curtain rises, here’s a closer look at the show and some of the New Brunswick talent helping bring this swampy story to life.
Straight from the Swamp: Q&A with Marshall Button
Grab your torch (or pitchfork) and head into the swamp as Artistic Director Marshall Button dives into creativity, characters, and the artistic choices that make SHREK such a magical stage experience.
What drew the Capitol Theatre to produce SHREK at this time, and what do you think makes it resonate with audiences today?
SHREK is a show we've been wanting to do for a number of years - we were waiting for the rights to become available once a North American tour had completed its run. We love this production because it appeals to children but also features a lot of sophisticated humour that appeals to adults as well. It's been over twenty years since SHREK was released, so many people who enjoyed it as children can now enjoy it as adults, and as parents.
The message of this show is a timely one. The story involves a farcical dictator who wants to rid the kingdom of people who are different. At a time when we see division, SHREK promotes inclusion. It's about embracing and celebrating our unique identities.
For audiences who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe SHREK and what sets it apart from other family-friendly productions?
Audiences will be very familiar with the story and film, but the musical may be new to them. Attending our show will be a fun way to discover a story we all know and love. The music is a terrific highlight of this year's production. The songs are sophisticated and catchy. Our score is incredibly well-orchestrated, with lots of variety. SHREK features our biggest orchestra ever - audiences can expect to be amazed at the musicianship and the quality of the performers.
Can you share a brief overview of the Capitol Theatre’s role in New Brunswick’s arts and culture scene?
The Capitol is very proud of our role in New Brunswick's artistic and cultural sector. We are the leading bilingual multidisciplinary presenter, meaning we offer the widest variety of artistic experiences for our population in both official languages. We've worked tirelessly over many years to grow and diversify our programming. We have performances for everyone - all ages, interests and perspectives. Our team manages several programs that increase inclusion and access to our performances. We work closely with other venues, nonprofits and organizations to find ways to share the Capitol with as many people as we can. It's an exceptional place, and we are dedicated to making sure that all people feel welcomed and everyone can be a part of the magic that happens here.
How does the Capitol Theatre support and showcase local and regional talent through productions like this one?
Our annual musical creates many opportunities for local and regional talent. We have a team of approximately 100 actors, dancers, musicians, technicians and other artistic professionals working to create our show each year, most of them from New Brunswick. This project allows artists from New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada to work on high-quality, professional productions here at home. Our ensemble features a mix of professionals and top-notch emerging artists - this mix creates valuable mentorships and professional development. Every year, thousands attend our production and give rave reviews about the "Broadway-quality" experience. This helps raise visibility for our region and awareness that we have the capacity and appetite for large-scale, professional performances of all kinds, which creates even more opportunities for artists. The impact of this production creates major growth for the arts in our province. It's exciting to see.
Meet the Faces of Far Far Away
From heroes to villains (and a few fairy-tale misfits), get to know the local actors behind the characters lighting up the stage in SHREK.
LILIANNE CORMIER
Can you briefly describe your character and what audiences can expect from them?
The character I play is the ever-lovable Donkey. For those who don't know Donkey, he is a very high-energy and passionate dude. Eddie Murphy's original work shows a very smooth-talking and dynamic sidekick that I intend to honour with my own twist. I really want to bring forward Donkey's energy and love for life during the show and audiences can definitely expect lots of lightheartedness and goofiness in my interpretation.
What does it mean to you to perform in a major production at the Capitol Theatre for New Brunswick audiences?
It's a dream come true. I grew up doing community theatre in Cheticamp and spending all of my free time singing show tunes and watching musicals. So to finally be part of such a production in such an iconic venue of the Maritimes is truly an incredible feeling.
Why do you love performing in New Brunswick?
I love New Brunswick. I love that I can work both in French and in English. I love that it's not too far from home yet bustling with opportunities. I love that there's room for every creative, every dream and every idea.
CJ NORRIS
Can you briefly describe your character and what audiences can expect from them?
As an ensemble member, I play several ‘bit roles’. Audiences will catch me as the fragile Humpty Dumpty who’s a little too ‘off the wall’; a peppy Duloc ambassador; the Pied Piper, and others. They’re all storybook characters who come to life on stage, which is always exciting for both kids and grown-up kids to experience.
What has been the most fun or most challenging part of performing this role?
As I shared in a recent post-rehearsal Instagram story, this material is not ‘5-6-7-8-la-dee-da’—it’s super challenging but fun stuff! This show packs a LOT into every moment—from multi-layered harmonies to impressive dance sequences—all done in over-the-top costumes. It’s a marathon for everyone.
Why do you love performing in New Brunswick?
New Brunswickers are so enthusiastic after seeing the excellence we’re capable of. Most have to travel far to see productions at this scale, or wait till something occasionally comes to town. But what enhances the experience for local audiences is that they may personally know someone on stage or backstage. It fills me with pride to be able to further expose my own community to this uplifting art form.
VÉRONIQUE HÉBERT
Can you briefly describe your character and what audiences can expect from them?
I’m playing lots of characters this year: Dragon, Wicked Witch, one of the 3 Blind Mice and a Dulocian.
Dragon is big, bold and sassy ! My other three characters are part of quite a few big ensemble numbers. They are so much fun!!
Is there a particular scene, song, or moment in the show that you are especially excited for audiences to see?
The most challenging part for me this year is learning all the choreography. It’s very bold and fast, which will be so amazing to watch, but we all have to work hard to get it just right. On top of wearing intricate costumes, because all of our Fairytale Creatures are different!
Why do you love performing in New Brunswick?
I work most of the year as a performer in New Brunswick and I love it. I think being able to do what I love and stay close to my family and my roots, is an amazing thing. I’m very thankful for all the opportunities I’ve had in my own province.
Big Laughs, Bigger Heart and an All-Star Lineup
With its big laughs, bigger heart, and an all-star lineup of local talent, SHREK proves that fairy tales do not need to be polished to shine. This lively production celebrates community, creativity, and being unapologetically yourself, layers and all.
Taking over the magical Capitol Theatre from February 21 to March 1, 2026, SHREK is packed with toe-tapping tunes, swamp-sized laughs, and plenty of happily-ever-after twists. So grab your favourite fairytale misfits and head to the theatre, because when it comes to ogres, donkeys, and dragons, the best stories happen live on stage.
