Once Upon a Stage: Shrek the Musical at Harlingen Community Theatre

(This article was written by Beth Marie Cantu Ensign and was featured in the February 2026 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)

CORRECTION: The Harlingen Community Theatre is in its 52nd season.

Fifty-one seasons in, the Harlingen Community Theatre (HCT) understands that longevity doesn’t come from standing still. It comes from adapting, rebuilding, and continuing to invite new voices to the stage.

As a nonprofit community theatre, HCT produces four to five mainstage shows each year, offering Broadway-style productions while keeping the doors open to performers of all ages and experience levels from across the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).

Performers range widely in age and experience, often sharing the stage across generations—first-time actors learning alongside seasoned “shining stars” in a uniquely collaborative setting. That shared experience fosters confidence, mentorship, and lasting friendships.

That belief carries into Season 51, which reflects not only the theatre’s history but its continued “come-as-you-are” energy. HCT’s current production, Shrek the Musical, brings humor, heart, and spectacle to the stage. Based on the beloved DreamWorks film, the show celebrates individuality, friendship, and finding where you belong—values that mirror the theatre itself.

Under the direction of Kathy “Miss Kathy” Eunice, the production emphasizes storytelling and ensemble unity, while Michael Ensign, serving as music director, shapes the sound of the show with precision and care. Hector Montalvo, the theatre’s technical director, builds the show’s world through imaginative lights, audio, and set design.

Together, the creative team balances high expectations with a supportive rehearsal environment—pushing performers to grow while reminding them why they love being there.

“Bringing to life a fairytale of this proportion takes more than just costumes and music and dancing. It takes trust in the artistic process, a lot of hard work, and a shared belief that the themes in the story will mean something to the people who come to watch,” states Ensign.

Taking on such a well-known story comes with a unique kind of pressure. Jean-Luc Cañas, who portrays Shrek, must navigate not only the role but the emotional growth of a character often misunderstood at a first glance.

Longtime audiences may recognize Jean-Luc from HCT’s 2019 production of Shrek the Musical, where he portrayed Lord Farquaad. His well-established presence with HCT has been a testament to the theatre’s tradition of nurturing performers over time.

“Back when I played Lord Farquaad, who is an angry, intense character, I was younger and had more energy,” Jean-Luc laughs. “Over the past few years, I’ve mellowed out a bit, so I relate more to Shrek’s pain and frustration. Even though he’s become complacent with his life, he still has dreams. It is really interesting to experience the duality of the characters.”

In only his second musical, Kaleb Ibáñez steps into the role of Donkey, a character that demands constant energy, comedic timing, and vocal stamina. Cast in one of the show’s most demanding roles early on in his musical theatre journey, Kaleb brings a fresh momentum and enthusiasm to the stage.

“Donkey is my favorite character from Shrek,” states Kaleb. “He and I have a similar energy– but he is constantly moving and singing. It’s going to be a challenge, because becoming a character like that requires a level of experience and physicality that I’m still working toward. I will practice, practice, practice to ensure I can portray him at my best.”

For the directors, moments like these—watching performers step into challenges before they feel fully ready—are the most rewarding part of the process.

“What a gratifying experience it is to witness the growth and progress of our performers, as they start off inexperienced and grow into demanding roles,” says Miss Kathy. “To see the potential they have and watch them develop their skill base, to experience their new and emerging confidence, watch them take on new challenges and responsibilities is a privilege.”

Productions like Shrek the Musical are made possible through ticket sales, donations, and volunteer support. Unlike larger institutions, HCT operates without an endowment, making each show run critical to sustaining the life of the theatre.

Still, the atmosphere is one of optimism. Long after rehearsals end, cast members linger, sharing laughs and words of encouragement, already thinking about the next rehearsal, the next improvement, the next moment they step onstage.

Shrek the Musical stands as both a celebration of storytelling and a reminder of what community theatre does best: bringing people together, exactly as they are.

“Come sit in a seat, escape the chaos of the world outside the theatre doors. All are welcome,” Miss Kathy says with a smile.

Shrek the Musical runs on two weekends: February 27 and 28 and March 1, 6, 7, and 8. Friday & Saturday shows are at 7:30 pm and the Sunday matinee is at 2:30 pm. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for children younger than 18.

To purchase your tickets online, please visit Harlingen Community Theatre’s website at hctvalleystars.org.