In a first for Brazilian theater, actress Evelyn Castro takes on the role of Donkey alongside Tiago Abravanel in the show opening April 15 in São Paulo.
Evelyn Castro has been confirmed in the cast of Shrek The Musical, taking on the role of the beloved Donkey — a character that has traditionally been played by men in major international productions. The show opens on April 15, 2026, at Teatro Renault in São Paulo, marking a bold and historic casting choice for Brazilian musical theater.
A star-studded ensemble
Castro joins Tiago Abravanel in the title role of Shrek, while Fabi Bang and Myra Ruiz share the role of Princess Fiona in alternating performances. The production draws inspiration from the Academy Award-winning animated film of 2002, one of the most beloved franchises in cinema history.
This is a character that demands rhythm, listening, and full commitment. Donkey is the beating heart of the story — the one who provokes, questions, and drives the narrative. Taking on this role is a challenge that excites me as an actress. — Evelyn Castro
Humor with emotional depth
General director Gustavo Barchilon says Castro’s casting reinforces the production’s commitment to the sharp physical and verbal comedy that defines Shrek — while grounding the characters in a more emotionally authentic Brazilian sensibility.
The idea is for the audience to recognize the characters as real human figures — with vulnerabilities, desires, and contradictions. That identification is what makes the humor even more powerful. Our cast has everything it takes to win over the audience, and Evelyn has the physical and verbal comedic timing the role demands. — Gustavo Barchilon, general director of Shrek The Musical
About the production
Shrek The Musical brings to the stage the story of an ogre whose swamp is overrun by fairy-tale creatures, sending him on a mission to rescue a princess. The adaptation preserves the wit and iconic soundtrack of the animated film while expanding the story with large-scale musical numbers and theatrical spectacle.
Presented by Brazil’s Ministry of Culture and Brasilprev, the production is signed by Instituto Artium in co-production with Atelier de Cultura — the team behind major Brazilian musical theater hits, including “Wicked.” Instituto Artium president Carlos Cavalcanti highlights the show’s cross-generational appeal.
Shrek has this power to speak to the whole family. We’re creating a production that will delight and surprise audiences of all ages. It will be a grand spectacle, full of artistic and technical surprises. — Carlos Cavalcanti, president of Instituto Artium
Follow the show
Website: shrekomusicalbrasil.com
Instagram: instagram.com/shrekomusicalbrasil
TikTok: tiktok.com/@shrekomusicalbrasil
Event info
Opening night: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 8 PM
Show times: Wednesday–Friday at 8 PM; Saturday at 3 PM and 7:30 PM; Sunday at 2 PM and 6:30 PM
Tickets: R$ 50 to R$ 450
Venue: Teatro Renault – Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 411 – Bela Vista, São Paulo – SP, Brazil
Age rating: All ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Running time: 165 minutes with a 15-minute intermission
Tickets online: ticketsforfun.com.br
Box office (no service fee): Teatro Renault – Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 411 – Bela Vista, São Paulo, SP. Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 8 PM, except holidays.
Photo: Press release
