By Jeanni Ritchie
This summer, Beau Rivage is inviting guests to step into the world of Shrek in a way that extends far beyond the theatre stage.
From green fountains and themed dining experiences to larger-than-life characters and interactive elements throughout the resort, Shrek the Musical promises to transform Beau Rivage into a fairytale adventure June 11 through July 2.
Produced and directed by Jeb K. Rand of Rand Productions, Shrek the Musical brings the beloved DreamWorks characters to life while preserving the heart of the story audiences have loved for years.
But according to Rand, bringing Shrek to the stage is much bigger than simply recreating a movie.
“This show allows us creative freedom to really take the experience beyond the stage,” Rand explained. “It’s not just about what audiences see. It’s what they hear, smell, and feel.”
That full sensory approach appears throughout the property.
Guests can expect immersive touches including themed décor, green lighting, interactive experiences, specialty food and beverage offerings, and Shrek-inspired surprises throughout the resort.
The production itself is equally ambitious.
Rand shared that approximately 8,000 performers submitted auditions for only 24 cast roles, with roughly 500 reaching callback rounds in New York. Final rounds became so competitive that multiple finalists could have stepped into leading roles.
“We saw incredible talent,” Rand said. “Any one of several finalists could have carried a lead role.”
The Broadway-level production also includes extensive costuming, puppetry, prosthetics, and scenic elements designed specifically for Beau Rivage Theatre.
More than half of the cast members wear prosthetics or specialized character pieces, and the actor portraying Shrek requires at least an hour in makeup before each performance and approximately forty minutes afterward for removal.
Audiences can also expect all the recognizable characters from the film—including Pinocchio, Gingy, the Three Little Pigs, and more—to make appearances throughout the production.
And of course, there is a dragon.
A very large dragon.
This dragon measures approximately 22 feet long and 12 feet tall, just one example of the large-scale visual elements audiences can expect.
Rand says another aspect that makes this production unique is the immersive nature of the performance itself.
“It’s not simply something you’re watching happen on a stage,” he said. “The audience becomes part of the experience.”
Your nose will know what I’m talking about!
Beyond the show itself, Beau Rivage has created themed dining and entertainment experiences throughout the property.
Guests can enjoy Shrek-inspired menu items at The Roasted Bean including the Porky Cheese sandwich, Ogre Onion Rings, Makin’ Waffles Matcha Vanilla Milkshake, and Far Away Parfait. Theatre concessions will also feature themed snack packs and freeze-dried treats.
LUX Lounge will host Once Upon a Swamp: The Lux Edition on June 12, featuring themed environments, interactive elements, specialty cocktails, music, and fairytale-inspired experiences.
Families may also appreciate the affordability options available.
Tickets begin at $25 plus tax and service fees, while family four-pack packages begin at $60 using promotional code ONIONS and $80 using promotional code SWAMP.
Guests can also add a VIP experience for an additional $30 to any ticket level. This includes a post-show cast meet-and-greet, a digital photo opportunity on stage, an exclusive show laminate, and an autographed show poster.
The post-show VIP package is always one of my favorite parts of a Rand Production. Their posters line my bedroom walls, and a picture of me in front of Greased Lightnin’ is one of my most cherished photos!
My mother is attending this summer’s show with me and we can’t wait to sip green mocktails and take a pic with the ogre himself!
For Rand, creating memorable family experiences remains one of the most rewarding parts of the process.
“People remember experiences together,” he said.
This summer, those experiences just happen to come with ogres, a donkey, and a little swamp magic.
Shrek the Musical runs June 11 through July 2 at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. For tickets, schedules, and additional information, visit beaurivage.com or call 1-888-567-6667.
Jeanni Ritchie is a freelance writer from Central Louisiana who enjoys road trippin’ to catch productions across the country. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
