(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Bernards Township Parks & Recreation and Trilogy Repertory presents Shrek, The Musical across two weekends from July 16-25, 2026 at Pleasant Valley Park Amphitheater in Basking Ridge. Everyone's favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film. Admission is free; bring your own lawnchairs and enjoy the show!
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there's more to the story than meets the ears.
"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.
Performances take place July 16-18, July 23-25 at Pleasant Valley Park in Basking Ridge (adjacent to VA Hospital). Admission is free with donations gratefully accepted. Bring your own lawn chair and flashlight.
The cast includes Carl Bird (Shrek), Jaclyn Lenox (Fiona), Luke Basile (Donkey), Alex Ridder (Lord Farquaad), Ryan Caddigan (Pinocchio), Molly Neff (Dragon), Ava Troconis (Young Fiona), Karen Blevins (Teen Fiona), Katy Reiser (Gingy), Paul Foster (Papa Ogre), and Maddy Kaminsky (Mama Ogre).
Fairytale creatures and Ensemble: Will Leotti, Yann Westbrook, Allie Corris, Josiah Kemp, Sarah Decker, Elyse Lanterman, Robin Satty, Maura Spillane, Ethan Deych, Lucy Bobbin, Duncan Stewart, Joseph Schmidt, Julia Schmidt, Amelia Aron, Katherine Birckhead, Collen Ridder, Priscilla Senger, Lauren Leotti, Nicole Pepe, Julia Keigher, Juliette Monroe, Remy Knoll, Caitlin Carey, Judy Segers, Germaine McGrath, Kelly Backus, Prisca Veera, Logan Wolper, Eliana Krever, Anahita Sathe, Riya Nomula, Ann Pattan, Madelyn Blevins, Charlie Giacalone, Rosalie Giacalone, Ellie Sullivan, Smantha Molle, and Kate Kopera.
The Production Team includes Director Beth Amiano Gleason; Producer Christine Petruzzell; Musical Director John Birckhead; and Choreographer Kristin Sarboukh.
Up next for Trilogy Repertory is You Can't Take It With You, which also takes place at Pleasant Valley Park in Basking Ridge. Performances tunr July 31-August 1 and August 6-8, 2026.
This program is made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
