ParkTalk Blog – Meet the Cast of Shrek: The Musical

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Magical Starlight Theatre is a community theater company and program of the Naperville Park District. Every January, community members volunteer their time to rehearse and perform the company’s annual musical. Community theater is fueled by the cast and crew’s passion for the art, and every year, Magical Starlight Theatre leaves audiences in awe with their talented casts and breathtaking sets. 

Magical Starlight Theatre’s January 2026 production is Shrek: The Musical. Based on the cultural phenomenon that is the animated feature film, the story follows Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey as they find acceptance in who they are. Pitted against the short-tempered Lord Farquaad, the show is full of hilarious jokes, engaging dances, and powerful musical numbers. The cast has been working hard since October to put on the best show they can for audiences. Performances begin the weekend of Friday, January 9, so get to know the actors behind the makeup and costumes before attending the show! 

Kevin Loeper – Shrek

Kevin Loeper plays the layered and culturally iconic lead character, Shrek! This is his second production with Magical Starlight Theatre and first show with them since 2019. Growing up as a tuba player, music has always been a part of Kevin’s life, but he was bitten by the musical theater bug and wanted to perform on stage after watching the theatrical version of Les Misérables. One aspect Kevin has always appreciated about community theater is the fact that anyone can be a part of a show, and Magical Starlight Theatre’s emphasis on community involvement in all of their productions stands out to him. Shrek had been a dream role of Kevin’s, but he loves the main theme of the show of finding a place to be your true, authentic self. Kevin hopes audiences enjoy this stellar production of Shrek: The Musical!

Mary Ann Shurilla – Fiona

Mary Ann Shurilla plays the kind-hearted and resilient character of Princess Fiona! Although she is working toward a career unrelated to theater, Mary Ann’s love for the art stretches back 13 years ago when she was a Munchkin in her first musical performance in The Wizard of Oz. This will be her first production with Magical Starlight Theatre, and it has felt like a home away from home for her. Mary Ann loves seeing people from the community step out of their day jobs and participate in something they are passionate about. Even if you watched the movie version of Shrek, she believes everyone should see Shrek: The Musical for its heartfelt message and funny antics. Come see Mary Ann stun the stage!

Richard Swierzewski – Donkey

Richard Swierzewski plays the lovable and goofy sidekick, Donkey! Rich has loved theater since 1999 when he performed in his first show, Grease. Rich loves the energy Donkey brings to the stage, as well as everything his character represents. Donkey looks on the brighter side of life, lives in the present and is happy with who he is – qualities everyone can relate to. Rich believes the energy he and his fellow cast members bring to the show will entertain audiences and keep them engaged throughout the show’s duration and beyond!

Kevin Neubert – Lord Farquaad

Kevin Neubert, who plays the tyrannical ruler of Duloc, Lord Farquaad, is no stranger to the spotlight, having participated in theatrical productions since middle school. He even has experience behind the scenes directing the school musicals at the middle school he works at. After a 12-year hiatus to raise his children, Kevin returned to the stage as Miss Trunchbull in a community theater production of Matilda. Although it seems like he is typecasted as the villain, Kevin relishes the bad guy role, especially one as silly as Lord Farquaad. As a first timer to Magical Starlight Theatre, he appreciates the professionalism and passion everyone in the company has. Kevin hopes audiences will tap their toes, laugh, and enjoy this production of Shrek: The Musical!

Tickets for Shrek: The Musical can be purchased online at napervilleparks.org/magicalstarlighttheatre, by phone at 630-848-5000 or during regular business hours at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center and Fort Hill Activity Center until Friday, January 9.