Yesterday, my family was the guest of the Alliance Theatre to see Shrek the Musical. We loved, loved, loved it!!
As one of the few people on the planet that has never seen the movie, I watched Shrek the Musical with unbiased eyes. It's the story of the ogre Shrek, who is sent to 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 belching and farting competition singing “I Can Top That”!
Photo by Greg Mooney
The whole cast was fabulous! Lord Farquaad’s (David de Vries) 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! His delightful selfishness makes him the character you love to hate!
We are so fortunate to have such an acclaimed actor as David de Vries live in our town. Playing Lumiere in Disney's Beauty and the Beast on Broadway as well as Dr. Dillamond, the talking goat professor in Wicked, he has thrilled Atlanta theatre fans in many local productions.
Shrek (Caleb Clark) and Fiona (Loren Lott) give stellar performances with a perfect balance between obnoxiously funny ogre behavior and tender, inner beauty revealing moments. We fell in love with Caleb last summer at Georgia Shakespeare for his very clever performance as the Imperial Choir in The Emperor and the Nightingale.
Monte Howell, as the donkey, steals the show with his expressive face and body language. I loved his hilarious one-liners!! His scene with the dragon was definitely Johnny's favorite. Although the dragon (Danye Evonne) was fascinating to watch, requiring three people to manipulate it, the real show-stopper was her fabulous voice!!
The musical features all 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 laughing out loud! 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.
Katie and I agreed that the ending was the best part. We knew that with true love’s first kiss, the curse would be lifted to reveal Fiona’s true beauty, but it was not at all what we expected! Although the target audience is definitely kids (ages 5+), adults will find plenty to enjoy as well.
My whole family loved this movie and thinks yours will also! I HIGHLY recommend this show. And if you want to see it, get your tickets NOW. This show (as with many Alliance Theatre shows) will sell out fast. Tickets start at $20.
SHREK THE MUSICAL is onstage at the Alliance Theatre now through March 16. Check the website for performance times."I received complimentary admission to facilitate my review of this venue but all opinions are my own."
