The artistic director of the Royal City Musical Theatre Chris Adams discusses Shrek: The Musical playing at the Massey Theatre (17 April to 03 May 2026), and more, with Joseph Planta.
Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:
I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.
The Royal City Musical Theatre is a tradition for so many not just in and around New Westminster, but throughout Metro Vancouver. Since 1989, their award-winning productions have been the highlight of the spring for theatregoers. It’s no different this year as they premiere Shrek: The Musical starting this Friday, 17 April and running until 03 May 2026 at the Massey Theatre. Making its Broadway debut in 2008, the show had a life before as an award-winning and critically acclaimed animated feature. On stage, the show has taken on a new life delighting audiences for nearly twenty years now. Chris Adams was recently named the permanent artistic director of the Royal City Musical Theatre; he’s been serving as the interim director for the last couple of seasons. He joins me now to preview the show, and to talk about the musical that features the beloved characters of Shrek, Donkey, and Princess Fiona, among others. I’ll ask Chris about the hilarity in the show and the themes of self-acceptance and inclusivity. And I’ll get Chris to tell us about the David Lindsay Abaire and Janine Tesori score. Chris is also involved with Raincity Theatre, and I’ll ask him about their upcoming production of Sunday in the Park with George. Visit www.royalcitymusicaltheatre.com [1] for tickets and information. We spoke two weeks ago with Chris joining me from New Westminster. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Chris Adams; Mr. Adams, good morning.
Podcast: Play in new window [2] | Download [2] (10.8MB)
Subscribe: RSS [3]