REVIEW: ‘Shrek The Musical’ makes a brilliant case for being different
Who would have thought that fairy tale characters could sing so well?
Shrek The Musical is based on the 2001 DreamWorks animated film Shrek and on the book by William Steig, and later debuted on Broadway in 2008. The adaptation, featuring an all-Filipino cast and creative team, is currently running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport Mall.
The musical tells the story of Shrek, a lonely, grumpy ogre who tries to rescue a princess just so he can claim ownership of the swamp he lives in. On his journey, he inadvertently becomes a landlord to homeless fairytale characters, grudgingly befriends a sarcastic donkey, offends a vertically challenged lord who has bad hair, and is befuddled by true love.
With an impressive level of creativity, Full House Theater Company—Newport World Resorts’ theatrical production arm—takes Shrek’s story and elevates it to become a 2.5-hour extravaganza that makes it difficult to look away.
When PhilSTAR L!fe attended the musical’s gala night, a big chunk of the audience was made up of children under 10, a demographic known for its short attention span. But that night, there were no tantrums or walkouts. Shrek The Musical grabbed hold of the kids’ collective prefrontal cortex and didn’t let go until the curtain call.
The massive talent of Filipinos
In his padded Shrek suit, where all you can see of him are his eyes, Jamie Wilson’s performance as Shrek is a masterclass in acting while insulated in ogre fat. Wilson is properly gross when the script calls for it, and understands the balance required to be both annoyed and vulnerable at the same time.
Topper Fabregas as Donkey gives Wilson the perfect banter buddy throughout the musical. The actors’ real-life friendship shows in their effortless chemistry on stage. Of course, Fabregas’ consistent comic timing comes in handy, too.
As Princess Fiona, Krystal Kane exudes a magnetic level of energy that is normally seen in toddlers being presented with their favorite snacks. Watching her expertly belt onstage, one gets the feeling that she isn’t just portraying Fiona; she is Fiona.
The physical aspect of theater acting reaches its peak in Alfredo Reyes’ portrayal of the diminutive Lord Farquaad. He spends much of his time on stage, walking on his knees to match his character’s height. To be able to sing and deliver his comic cues on top of that is just genius.
Although her time onstage is minimal compared to the rest of the actors, Julia Serad as the Dragon commands the stage like a burst of reptilian fire. Watching her perform is an experience in itself, and you will find yourself wondering why the Dragon can’t have more songs written in.
Providing support for the main cast is an exuberant ensemble whose scenes as fairytale characters truly make the production a children’s musical. (Watch for the witch with a Brooklyn accent.)
It would be a mistake not to mention the set design, boosted by dynamic video elements, as its own character. The proscenium stage of the Newport Performing Arts Theater is big enough to accommodate director Dexter M. Santos’ vision of bringing a theme park to life for the show.
The stage’s depth and breadth perfectly carry out all the 3D illusions envisioned by Santos. At one point, the production even goes 4D, with the company spilling out of the proscenium frame onto the audience, treating the whole theater as its stage.
Of course, what the audience sees and hears is just half of the production.
Excellently supporting Santos’ vision are artistic director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, associate director Michael Williams, assistant director Cara Barredo, scenic designer Lawyn Cruz, lighting designer Meliton Roxas, choreographer Stephen Viñas, musical director Ejay Yatco, and the late GA Fallarme, with his team of video designers JM Jimenez and Justine Santiago, creating dynamic video installations.
The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, with its set-up right beside the stage, provides the live music.
In its entirety, Shrek The Musical is an exuberant celebration of being different. It asks you to look beyond appearances, embrace who you are, and be true to yourself. And because the musical delivers its message with such joy, you do as it says.
Editor's Note: PhilSTAR L!fe was given a free ticket for Shrek The Musical, which runs until December at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport Mall.