“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….”
And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Yes, your favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the famed Oscar®-winning, smash hit, DreamWorks animated film, SHREK.
With all-new original direction and choreography by Danny Mefford and filled with lush orchestrations, this reimagined production, which began their 40-city tour earlier this spring, brings the show back to its roots and presents a more joyful, colorful SHREK that leans into the humanity in all of us, celebrating our differences, while at the same time emphasizing the importance of loving ourselves and one another.
It's a fairy tale adventure with a cast of vibrant, hilarious characters and a ‘shrek-tacular’ score that’s perfect for the young and the young-at-heart. Starring Nicholas Hambruch as Shrek, Kelly Prendergast (for this performance) as Fiona and Naphtali Yaakov Curry as Donkey! Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand…and his name is Shrek. It’s not easy being green, but this irreverently fun musical proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.
And, with a super-powered creative team, featuring the Tony Award-winning duo of Jeanine Tesori (music) and David Lindsay-Abaire (book & lyrics) behind massive hits like “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Kimberly Akimbo,” the new production is an absolute delight from start to finish and even delivers a more engaging experience than the original, paying homage to the heart, wonder and humor of the story that audiences first fell in love with.
The original Broadway production ran from December 2008 to January 2010 as a closely followed adaptation of the movie and has continued to see life in the West End and through subsequent tours across the US and the UK. While on Broadway, the show was nominated for eight Tony Awards, winning for Best Costume Design.
Now, with their newest tour, SHREK THE MUSICAL sets out once again to transport families and theater-goers of all types to a land far, far away. The show has been slightly revamped, trading a straight adaptation of the film for a more expansive story. Instead of beginning with a grown Shrek established in a swamp of his own, for instance, the story takes us back to his childhood. At the ripe age of seven, Shrek, played by a puppet at this point, is sent away by his parents to find a life of his own.
It’s a daunting notion, especially for a seven-year-old, to explain how adult Shrek has come to be isolated in a swamp. Not that he seems to have a problem with his secluded life. Banished there by the irascible Lord Farquaad (Timmy Lewis), he seems to relish the hermitism, and even attempts to oust the fairytale creatures who are disrupting his peaceful life in his neck of the woods.
Ultimately Shrek, along with Donkey (Naphtali Yaakov Curry), who he allows to accompany him, sets off to speak to the ruler of the land and get his swamp back. The Lord Farquaad, in turn, makes a deal with him to get the fairy tale creatures removed from his swamp in exchange for rescuing Princess Fiona, whom the puffed-up ruler is demanding as his bride in order to become King of Duloc.
Ms. Prendergast, our heroine in green, stole the show from the moment she stepped onto the stage, capturing the spunky, sassy Princess Fiona perfectly. Mr. Hambruch, as the lovably grumpy ogre Shrek, truly brought the monster to life with his comedic timing, a touch of ferociousness and a rich, bass voice, which rumbled with a force that thrilled young theatergoers. Also, Mr. Curry’s feistily mettlesome Donkey (following in the hooves of Eddie Murphy’s beloved animated character) with his impeccable comedic chops made the audience laugh hysterically, and his singing ability and dancing was a force to be reckoned with (a considerable feat when encumbered with his bulky costume).
Last, but certainly not least, where would we be without the good guy/bad guy Lord Farquaad? While this version of SHREK does not to play up the fun-size height difference of Farquaad, he is still the same megalomaniac from the film but with slightly different packaging. Mr. Lewis’ character is ever the more enjoyable, however, and adds more levity to the story in general.
Overall, Shrek the Musical is a must-see production that will leave you laughing, crying, and tapping your toes along to the music. It's a perfect blend of humor, heart, and fantastic performances that will enchant audiences of all ages. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and uplifting theater experience. Better hurry, however, there are only three days of performances!
FIFTH ESTATE ENTERTAINMENT & ROUND ROOM LIVE PRESENT, SHREK THE MUSICAL; Book & Lyrics by DAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE; Music by JEANINE TESORI; Originally Produced on Broadway by DREAMWORKS THEATRICALS and NEAL STREET PRODUCTIONS; Directed and Choreographed by DANNY MEFFORD; Original Production Directed by JASON MOORE & ROB ASHFORD; Musical Direction by HARRISON ROTH; Music Supervisor CHRIS FENWICK; Scenic Design by STEVEN KEMP; Sound Design by BEN SELKE; Orchestrations by JOHN CLANCY; Puppet Design by CAMILLE LABARRE; Prop Design by CAM UPTON; Hair & Wig Design by RACHAEL GEIER; Music Programming by STRANGE CRANIUM PRODUCTIONS; Production Stage Manager MARISA CHRISTIE.
STARRING: NICHOLAS HAMBRUCH as “Shrek,” CECILY DIONNE DAVIS as "Fiona," (KELLY PRENDERGAST as “Fiona" for this performance), NAPHTALI YAAKOV CURRY as “Donkey,” TIMMY LEWIS as “Lord Farquaad,” TORI KOCHER as “Dragon,” JRAY KUHN as “Pinocchio,” ALLY CHOE as “Sugar Plum Fairy/Gingy/Young Fiona,” SAGE JEPSON as “Wolf,” LEON RAY as “Pig 1,” ZACH PERRIN as “Pig 2,” CARSON ZOCH as “Pig 3,” DEMETRIO ALOMAR as “Papa Ogre/Papa Bear,” CYNTHIA ANA RIVERA as “Mama Bear/Blue Bird,” HOPE SCHAFER as “Mama Ogre/Wicked Witch,” KATHERINE PALADICHUK as “Teen Fiona/Peter Pan/Tail,” KIANA CLARKE as “Ugly Duckling.”
SWINGS/STANDBYS: CASEY LAMONT – Dance Captain; JOHN CARDENAS
MUSICIANS: HARRISON ROTH, CHASE KESSLER, NICHOLAS URBANIC, HANNAH BENJAMIN, JOSEPH LEVENS, MICHAEL CAPADAIS.
SHREK THE MUSICAL runs November 22nd through November 24th in Segerstrom Hall at SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS. Recommended for all ages. Running 2 hours and 20 minutes. Tickets start at $44. Performances are Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2pm & 7:30pm; Sunday at 1:00pm & 6:30pm. For further information: www.scfta.org/events/2024/shrek-the-musical
Chris Daniels
Arts & Entertainment Reviewer
The Show Report
Photography: FULL OUT CREATIVE
