Beloved story of acceptance, adventure, and laughter

Stars and the Moon, an all-abilities theatre company dedicated to high-quality, inclusive performances, is this week performing its 2025 Inclusical: Shrek the Musical!

This beloved story of acceptance, adventure, and laughter will come to life on stage, featuring our unique castmate model, where performers of all abilities work together to share roles and support one another.

Founded in 2021, Stars and the Moon was born out of a shared love of musical theatre between founder Eitan Meyerowitz and his cousin Zac Chester, an actor who lives with down syndrome. In building the theatre company, Meyerowitz sought to create a space wherein performers of all abilities could share the spotlight and create moving, accessible theatre.

The company’s castmate model—pairing two or more performers in each role to support one another (at least one of whom identifies as neurodivergent and/or living with disability/disabled)—ensures that artists of all abilities can shine together, fostering a theatrical experience unlike any other.

Everyone knows the transformative power of theatre, yet for many, accessibility remains a challenge. Outdated casting practices and physical barriers continue to marginalise artists and audience members living with disabilities. Stars and the Moon dismantles these barriers to create theatre that is truly accessible, inclusive, and celebrates the diversity of our community.

Based on the hit DreamWorks film, Shrek the Musical is packed with humour, heart, and unforgettable songs. The show follows the journey of a grumpy yet lovable ogre, Shrek, who finds himself on a quest to rescue a feisty princess, all while accompanied by a fast-talking donkey and a host of fairy-tale misfits. Along the way, Shrek discovers that being different is something to celebrate—a message that perfectly aligns with Stars and the Moon’s mission of inclusivity and empowerment.

“Our Inclusical productions highlight the power of theatre to bring people together,” says Michaela Raitman, Vice President at Stars and the Moon and Producer of Shrek. “Through our castmate model, the stage becomes a place of transformation where the barriers that separate people dissolve into our collective artistry.”

“Shrek the Musical is the perfect choice for our 2025 season because it celebrates individuality, friendship, and the truth that real beauty comes from within,” says Lauren McKenna, Artistic Director of Stars and the Moon. “With its diverse characters, heartwarming message, and countless opportunities for performers of all abilities to shine, it is a show that embodies our company’s commitment to inclusivity and the power of storytelling.”

With a mix of energetic choreography, hilarious storytelling, and show-stopping numbers, Shrek the Musical promises to be a must-see event for audiences of all ages.

Shrek the Musical is being performed in Melbourne on 24 August, 25 August, 26 August, 27 August, 28 August, 30 August, and 31 August.

To book visit https://www.starsandthemoon.org/shrek