Breaking Barriers: How One Theatre Company is Redefining Inclusion
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Stars and the Moon is a one-of-a-kind Melbourne-based theatre company dedicated to redefining what inclusive performance looks like. Established in 2021 by Eitan Meyerowitz, the company was created to provide performers of all abilities with the opportunity to shine on stage. What makes Stars and the Moon unique is its innovative “castmate” system, where each role is shared between two performers—one with a disability and one without—working together to bring a character to life. This collaborative approach not only supports accessibility but also fosters genuine connection, teamwork, and friendship within the cast.
Following their success of their 2024 production of The Addams Family: The Inclusical, which wowed audiences with its humour, heart, and massive 65-member cast, the company is now preparing for its next big show: Shrek the Musical. Playing in August, Shrek promises to be another bold and joy-filled step in the company’s mission to make high-quality musical theatre accessible to all. With a passionate creative team and an ever-growing community of supporters, Stars and the Moon continues to inspire by proving that inclusive theatre isn’t just possible—it’s magical. Keep an eye on their journey as they bring beloved stories like Shrek to life in ways you've never seen before.
🎭 Shrek the Musical
🗓️ 24-31 August
📍 Alexander Theatre, Clayton
🎟️ starsandthemoon.org
🎤thetheatre.au/showtime
Stars and the Moon Theatre Company is about to take audiences on a hilarious and heartfelt journey with its latest production, Shrek the Musical. This bold and imaginative show brings everyone’s favourite ogre to life in a story that celebrates individuality, friendship, and the magic of being yourself.
Based on the DreamWorks animated film, Shrek the Musical features a catchy score by Jeanine Tesori and a witty script by David Lindsay-Abaire. It follows Shrek, a solitary ogre who sets off on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona in exchange for getting his beloved swamp back. Along the way, he’s joined by a chatty Donkey, a fierce Dragon, and a group of fairy tale creatures who are anything but traditional.
This production is a perfect match for Stars and the Moon’s commitment to storytelling that is inclusive, entertaining, and filled with heart. Audiences can expect vibrant costumes, clever staging, and a cast that brings genuine warmth and humour to every moment.
With songs like “I Know It’s Today,” “Freak Flag,” and “Who I’d Be,” the show blends laughter with emotion, reminding us all that being different is something to celebrate. Whether you’re young or young at heart, Shrek the Musical is a joyful, feel-good experience that proves happily ever after can look a little different for everyone.
Join Stars and the Moon Theatre Company for this unforgettable theatrical adventure. You’ll leave smiling—and maybe even singing.
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LAUREN MCKENNA is a Melbourne-based director, performer, acting coach and creative collaborator who has worked across Australia. A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts in the inaugural Bachelor of Music Theatre course (2011), Lauren’s directing credits include Songs For A New World, The Addams Family, FAME, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Jack Frost, DreamSong, Judy – Australia – 1964, FLUID (Associate Director) and Puffs (Resident Director). Lauren is the Artistic Director of Stars and the Moon, Melbourne’s only all-abilities music theatre company, and is passionate about creating inclusive, empowering opportunities in the performing arts.
TYLA CHAPMAN is a passionate educator, performer and program coordinator with a strong background in the disability and performing arts sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Secondary Education (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University, majoring in Performing Arts with minors in Film and Psychology. Tyla has taught in classrooms, directed musicals in the US, hosted radio and TV shows including 1700 on Channel 31, and worked at Fox and Triple M. She has also entertained on cruise ships as an MC. Now Cast and Program Manager at Stars and the Moon, Tyla brings creativity and care to everything she does.
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