As one of the few people on the planet that has never seen the movie, Shrek, I watched our new Shrek the Musical DVD with unbiased eyes. It's the story of the ogre Shrek, who must rescue the beautiful, dragon-guarded Princess Fiona and deliver her to Lord Farquaad, who must marry a princess to become the king of Dulac. But, unbeknown to all, the princess is under a curse that can only be broken by true love's first kiss.
The basic themes from the movie about love, friendship and finding your true self remain the same in the musical, but I understand that some parts of the movie were changed or omitted. Instead of a slow, subtle realization of love, Shrek and Fiona ignite their mutual attraction during a hilarious bodily emissions competition singing “I Can Top That”!
The whole cast was fabulous! Lord Farquaad’s clever costume design required a singing, dancing and high-kicking performance entirely on the actor’s knees with tiny fake legs attached in front. He even rode a horse and took a bubble bath! His delightful selfishness makes him the character you love to hate!
Both Fiona and Shrek give stellar performances with a perfect balance between obnoxiously funny ogre behavior and tender, inner beauty revealing moments. One of my favorite scenes is Fiona singing about the joy of a new day while blithely crushing everything in her path in “Morning Person” which culminates in a lively tap dance with a chorus line of tuxedo clad rats.
I think that the donkey steals the show with his hysterically expressive face and body language. I loved his one-liners and his blues-y explanation of “having a friend’s back” in “Don’t Let Me Go”.
Unlike the movie which relied on popular songs, the musical features original music. My very favorite was all of the storybook characters praising the virtues of being true to who you are in the upbeat song and dance routine, “Let Your Freak Flag Fly”! What a terrific song with a message we all should embrace… it is okay to be different!
Shrek the Musical is filled with lots of double-entendre jokes that the kids won’t understand but will have adults chuckling. It’s the perfect show to introduce your kids to Broadway musicals if they have never been. They will love the costumes, upbeat music and especially, the potty humor.
The ending is the best part. You know that with true love’s first kiss, the curse will be lifted to reveal Fiona’s true beauty, but it’s not at all what you expect! Although the target audience is definitely kids, adults will find plenty to enjoy as well.
My whole family loved this movie and thinks yours will also! This would be a terrific present for anyone on your Christmas list!
