What do you get when you stir up a burping ogre with a flatulence problem, a cheeky donkey, a sassy cookie, a delightful heroine, an optimistic Pinocchio, an egocentric villain you love to hate and just about all the fairy tale characters you can get under one roof? You get “Shrek the Musical.”
Put a bunch of talented kids together with the South Valley Civic Theatre and you get a well-done teen version.
The crazy, charming musical comes from the creative magic of Dreamworks, which brought us “Shrek,” the Oscar-winning animated movie about an ogre that finds a love to fight for and where good triumphs over evil.
The musical has the book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori. The plot runs about the same as the movie and opened to rave reviews on Broadway in December 2009, earning eight Tony Award nominations.
The ingenious original choreography by Christine Carrillo is a joyful jolt to the eye of fast fun and movement. Imaginative costumes by Michelle Griffin and her team are a glorious treat to the senses of color and design.
A top-flight, energetic teen cast carries the production under the direction of Janell Cummings and Ken Powell. Andrew Stebbins makes a believable, lovable Shrek. Zack Goller as Farquaad is a delight as the villain you love to hate and Brianna Pember brings us a gutsy Fiona. Creative sets and a huge dragon by Andrew Cummings and his team keep our attention throughout the show.
Bring the whole family for a fun filled evening or afternoon of joyful shenanigans and music that leaves all with a great feeling of well being and delight. Who can’t use a shot of well-being and delight? I know I can.
