By Jeanni Ritchie
My mother agreed to our girls’ trip to Biloxi last June for one reason and one reason only: Shrek!
She loved that big ole green ogre!
And after experiencing Rand Productions’ Shrek the Musical at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, I could certainly understand why.
I’d already spoken with producer and director Jeb K. Rand about the ambitious production, which featured a cast selected from approximately 8,000 audition submissions and a massive dragon measuring 22 feet long.
But hearing about the production and actually experiencing it were two entirely different things.
Rand Productions has become known for bringing Broadway-style entertainment to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and Shrek the Musical was no exception.
Based on the beloved DreamWorks film, the musical follows Shrek, a grumpy ogre whose solitary life is interrupted by a collection of displaced fairytale characters. Along with his unlikely companion Donkey, Shrek sets out to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower, only to discover that happily ever after doesn’t always look the way we expect.
With music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, the production delivers the familiar humor of the film alongside musical numbers, elaborate costumes and an underlying message about friendship, acceptance and embracing our differences.
And, of course, there is that dragon!
Bringing animated characters to life onstage requires considerable imagination, and Rand’s team delivered with specialized prosthetics, puppetry, scenic elements and larger-than-life characters.
There was even a swamp smell that had a few audience members side-eyeing their seatmates!
The production was hilarious. Mom and I laughed throughout the show, dancing along in our seats during the musical numbers and enjoying every bit of the fairytale adventure.
But the magic didn’t stop at the theatre doors.
Beau Rivage embraced the Shrek theme throughout the resort, creating an immersive experience for families. From themed food and beverages to character displays and interactive activities, guests could enjoy a little swamp magic long before the curtain rose.
We had arrived that morning after taking one of my favorite drives along Highway 90 from Bay St. Louis to Biloxi. The coastal highway, lined with sandy beaches and beautiful views of the Gulf, provided a scenic beginning to an unforgettable day.
After checking into our 25th-floor room overlooking the water, we picked up our VIP passes and enjoyed the resort before heading to the theatre.
Naturally, we couldn’t resist the themed concessions!
We loaded up on Shrek snack packs, complete with popcorn, candy, green souvenir cups, arcade cards and light-up rings. We even purchased a bag of freeze-dried Ogre Boogers!
The VIP experience has always been one of my favorite additions to a Rand production. Following the performance, we went backstage to meet the cast and crew and received an autographed show poster. Mom held up the line sharing her love of Shrek, and I’m glad we all indulged her. It ended up being the last stage performance she ever saw, decades after she introduced me to theatre and passed along her love of it.
I have quite a collection of those posters lining my bedroom walls now, along with memories of previous productions. Her closet still holds her VIP pass, with the Shrek t-shirt still hanging nearby. This show will always hold a special place in my heart.
More Broadway Magic Coming to Biloxi
Families who missed Shrek the Musical won’t have to wait until next summer to enjoy another Rand Productions spectacular.
The company returns to Beau Rivage this December with Christmas in the Air, a Broadway-style holiday production featuring special guest star Jake Hoot, winner of NBC’s The Voice.
I’m excited! I voted for Jake every week during the live rounds of The Voice, and now I get to see him live myself!
The show features precision dancers, elaborate costumes, traditional Christmas favorites and modern holiday music, all woven into a festive adventure led by two of Santa’s elves.
And for those who enjoy the opportunity to meet the performers, VIP experiences will once again be available.
Christmas in the Air runs December 12–27, 2026, with no performances on Mondays.
I’ve enjoyed several Rand productions over the years, and I look forward to returning to Beau Rivage for another spectacular show.
After all, the best theatrical experiences don’t simply entertain us for a couple of hours.
They give us memories that last a lifetime.
For showtimes, tickets and additional information, visit beaurivage.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/christmas-in-the-air.html or call 1-888-567-6667.
