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Shrek has an interesting history: it began life as an 18 page children's book that was mostly pictures and got expanded into a full-length motion picture (thanks to Mike Myers and Dreamworks SKG). Owing to such successes as Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King it wasn't long until Producers decided to bring Shrek to the Broadway stage. Shrek didn't run as long as the other two shows I just mentioned but it is perfect for a long National Tour and an even longer life in Regional Theater. You might well ask--how could they turn a big animated movie into a stage play? Turns out--pretty well for the most part.
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The plot is simple enough for the kiddies to follow but there are enough jokes to please the adults and everything moves quickly enough that nobody really has time to lose interest. Those expecting highbrow theater are doomed to be disappointed by Shrek (but they probably didn't see the movie on which the show is based). Shrek is vulgar without being obscene: the good news is that parents won't have to try to explain to their kids. The songs generally are splightly and pleasant to listen to--even though I found myself forgetting them even as I was listening. The sets, while no where near as complex as the animated backgrounds of the movie but they are more than adequate to do the job. Likewise the lighting and costumes are more than up to the challenge as is the music played by the nine-piece band (large for a show).
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Lukas Poost, in the title role, doesn't try to do a Mike Myer immitation--and to my mind that's all to the good. He does manage a consistant accent (although it's not Scottish) and he manages to run all the gamut of emotions the role requires. He also has a big and quite pleasant voice for his singing. Liz Shivener as Princess Fiona has a voice and acting ability up to snuff with her partner and I couldn't find a fault in her performance. Andre Jorden (Donkey) has a great soulful voice for his songs: he lacks the manic physicality of the animated character but he still manages to do well with what he's given. Merrit David Janes as the villains dwarf Lord Farquahd deserves note, not only for his acting and strong voice but also for managing to pull off virtually his entire performance ON HIS KNEES! (You try doing that for eight shows a week for months on end and see how wracked-up YOU get!) The dragon doesn't breathe fire but the massive puppet (controlled by four people) looks pretty impressive on stage. The chorus all have multiple roles and they are all up to the task.
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Shrek is hardly great theater but it sure is good fun for the entire family. This is the kind of show the entire family can enjoy together and it's especially good for those who don't attend theater with any regularity. Go see it if you get the chance.
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FINAL GRADE: A
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