Shrek the Musical comes to Avila

By Josie Jones

For over 20 years, Leawood Stage Company has been putting on high-quality productions and continuing to foster the community of Leawood through live theater. This summer the organization is putting on Shrek the Musical, the Tony Award-winning musical that was based off the Oscar-winning DreamWorks animated fairytale. Performances are July 18-20 and 23-27 at Goppert Performing Arts Center on the Avila University campus.

Carrigan Hope, who is not only the director of this summer’s show but is also the overall artistic director of the company, says the story of Shrek was chosen because of its inspiring message for the whole family.

“It shows that the underdog can be the hero, beauty comes in all shapes and forms, and everyone gets a happy ending,” Hope states.

The characters in the original movie are both iconic and full of complex emotions. Hope says that the script has a sweet spot for both of those attributes.

“The script is really well balanced,” she says. “You have the traditional jokes that Shrek has. We try to add in some more comedic body language through it and have little moments where they can say something serious.”

Hope also states that the dynamics of this cast affects the overall show because of the family-like bonds they have on and off the stage together.

“They have formed such close-knit bonds despite being a diverse range of ages, genders, identities, and backgrounds,” Hope shares. “[They] enhance the story by having those little bonds and moments with each other that you can only create offstage.”

Hope also says that they have taken a few of their own creative liberties to make sure that no one in the cast has to limit themselves.

“We’ve added in additional fairy tale creatures so that everyone, despite their identity or ethnicity, can be a part of the show and have a role that fits them,” she says. “They can bring a creature to light that they identify with and feel like they can bring justice to.”

Leawood Stage Company is a nonprofit organization that wants everyone to be a witness to the arts, so they keep their prices manageable. The tickets are free for Leawood residents, $20 for families, and $5 per person. The Shrek production is appreciative of one of their biggest sponsors, who continues to let them be so generous to their audiences’ pockets.

“This summer the show is 100 percent sponsored by the City of Leawood. We are so grateful to the City of Leawood for the continuous support of the show,” Hope says.

The sets feature the iconic castle and Shrek’s swamp from the original movie, but the Leawood Stage Company will feature a 12-foot animatronic dragon that breathes fire and smoke.

“It is one of the most show-stopping pieces of costuming or production I’ve ever created and got for a show,” Hope says.

“I just want them to have a fun night surrounded by their friends and family, seeing this childhood story come to life, and understanding that it doesn’t matter who you are or what you are; you have a place, everyone belongs in this world, and you just find your people and enjoy life.”

Shrek the Musical runs July 18-20 and July 23-27 at the Goppert Theater at Avila University, located at 73-109 E 118th St, Kansas City, MO 64145.

Learn more and get tickets at leawoodstageco.org/shrek-summer-2025.

Please leave this field empty

NEW! South KC Arts & Entertainment Newsletter

Sign up for our FREE email newsletter full of weekend activities, sent every Friday.

Thanks for signing up! Look for your newsletter next Friday morning.