Summer Musical

While we also produce a Winter Cabaret and One-Act Play each year, the cornerstone of Upper Room Theatre Ministry is our summer musicals. Started in 2002, our award-winning July shows have been playing to sold-out audiences, so don’t miss out!

Our 2025 summer musical will be announced by the end of 2024. Stay tuned to our website, Facebook page, and Instagram page for the latest updates and announcements!

Prepare for an epic adventure full of heart, humor, and unforgettable characters! Join us July 15-20, 2025, as we bring Broadway’s Shrek the Musical to life on the award-winning Upper Room Theatre stage.

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks animated film and adapted by a powerhouse team—including Tony Award-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Caroline, or Change) and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole, Kimberly Akimbo)—Shrek brings sidesplitting humor, a dynamic score, and plenty of fairy tale twists to the stage, making it a celebrated Broadway hit worldwide!

“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek…”

And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who just wants to be left alone in his swamp. But when a band of quirky fairy tale creatures invades his peaceful home—and a hilarious, unlikely friendship with a talking Donkey blossoms—Shrek is forced onto a wild quest to rescue a feisty princess who’s anything but the typical damsel-in-distress. Along the way, he faces a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and more than a dozen wacky fairy tale misfits in an adventure that calls for a true hero. And luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.

With hilarious dialogue, high-energy songs, and show-stopping dance numbers, Shrek the Musical is pure fun for the whole family.

But it’s more than just an entertaining tale….

At its heart, Shrek the Musical is a powerful story of human dignity, self-acceptance, friendship, and discovering that true beauty is found within. This message of embracing our unique gifts and using them to lift others will resonate with audiences of all ages, leaving smiles and warmth in everyone’s hearts.

We can’t wait to see you in July for this magical, larger-than-life musical that will leave you laughing, singing, and feeling inspired! Mark your calendars for July 15-20, 2025. Online ticket sales begin June 24.

Auditions are May 14-15, with callbacks on May 18-19. Mark your calendars! Auditions signups will open on our website in mid-April.

Our Awards

We feel blessed and honored that our productions have been recognized not only by our audiences, but also by our Washington, DC Regional Theatre peers.

Winner of BroadwayWorld's "Favorite Local Theatre" (2022, 2023)
Prince William Arts Council Seefeldt Award for "Outstanding Arts Organization" (2021)
Winner of BroadwayWorld's "Community Theatre of the Decade" (2020)

Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella

Eight BroadwayWorld Awards for
“Best Ensemble Performance”
“Best Performer in a Musical”
“Best Supporting Performing in a Musical”
“Best Direction of a Musical”
“Best Music Direction & Orchestra Performance“
“Best Choreography“
“Best Costume Design”
“Best Lighting Design”
Plus DC Theater Arts Staff Favorite Honors for
“Outstanding Production”
“Outstanding Creative Components”
“Outstanding Ensemble Performance”

West Side Story

Nine BroadwayWorld Awards for
“Best Musical of 2022”
“Best Direction of a Musical”
“Best Choreography”
“Best Ensemble Performance”
“Best Music Direction & Orchestra Performance”
“Best Supporting Performer in a Musical”
“Best Costume Design”
“Best Scenic Design”
“Best Lighting Design”

HONK!

Five BroadwayWorld Awards for
“Best Non-Professional Musical of 2021”
“Best Actor in a Musical”
“Best Supporting Actress in a Musical”
“Best Director”
“Best Costume Design of a Play or Musical”

No One is Alone

BroadwayWorld Award for
“Best Streaming Production of 2020”

Mary Poppins

BroadwayWorld Award for
“Best Community Theatre Production of 2019”

Hello, Dolly!

Five BroadwayWorld Awards for
“Best Sound Design of the Decade”
“Best Costume Design of the Decade”
“Best Community Theatre Production of 2018″
“Best Community Theatre Actress”
“Best Community Theatre Actor”

Into the Woods

DC Metro Theater Arts Honors for
“Best Musical of 2016”
Three “Best Performances in a Musical”
“Best Director”
“Best Music Director”

Peter Pan

DC Metro Theater Arts Honors for
“Best Musical of 2015”
“Best Actress”
“Best Featured Actor”
“Best Director”
BroadwayWorld Award for
“Set Design of the Decade” (Non-Equity)