Riverside City College Kicks Off Shrek The Musical with Packed Opening Night at Landis Theatre

Riverside City College (RCC) welcomed a full house to the Landis Performing Arts Center on February 6, 2026, as Shrek The Musical, directed by Jodi Julian, opened to an enthusiastic audience filled with laughter, applause, and smiles.

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, the high-energy, family-friendly production captivated opening night attendees with vibrant storytelling, dynamic choreography, and powerful vocals. Standout performances by Dragon, Donkey, and Shrek energized the stage and quickly became audience favorites. Broadway touring stars delivered a royal flair to the stage as the actors portraying Lord Farquaad and Princess Fiona deliver standout performances that audiences won’t want to miss.

Early critical response has also praised the production. A recent review by The Show Report described the performance as “a polished… enormously clever family musical,” highlighting its broad appeal to audiences of all ages. The review also commended the production’s strong character chemistry, engaging humor, and visually vibrant staging that brings the beloved fairy tale world to life.

The production showcased the exceptional musical and performance talents of RCC students, alongside the valuable contributions of RCC alumni who returned to the stage to participate in the production. Together, they delivered dynamic singing, choreography, and stage presence that energized the Landis Theatre throughout opening night. From powerful ensemble numbers to character-driven solos, the cast delivered polished vocal performances while executing lively, well-coordinated dance routines that enhanced the storytelling and audience engagement. The musical score and choreography highlighted the performers’ versatility, dedication, and continued connection to RCC’s performing arts community, while the caliber of talent on display reflected the strength of RCC’s performing arts programs and the college’s commitment to fostering artistic excellence and real-world performance experience.

Community members interested in learning more about the cast and creative team, including RCC students and alumni who participated in the production, can view the official playbill and production details available through Performance Riverside and the Landis Performing Arts Center.

Hosted at the Landis Performing Arts Center, located at 4800 Magnolia Avenue in Riverside, the production reflects RCC’s continued commitment to providing accessible and high-quality performing arts experiences for the community. The musical follows the journey of Shrek, a reclusive ogre whose quiet swamp is disrupted when fairy tale creatures are banished from the kingdom of Duloc. As Shrek embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona, he discovers the importance of friendship, acceptance, and embracing one’s true self.

Additional performances of Shrek The Musical took place February 7, 8, 13, and 14, 2026, and can still be seen February 14, and 15, 2026, at 2 p.m.

“This production showcases the extraordinary talent and dedication of our performers, production team, and director Jodi Julian,” said an RCC representee. “Events like this demonstrate how the performing arts bring our community together while creating meaningful opportunities for artistic expression.”

Community members are encouraged to attend one of the remaining performances during the show’s two-weekend run.

For more information about upcoming performances and events at RCC’s Landis Performing Arts Center, visit https://rccboxoffice.com/pr/ .