A Fresh Take on a Classic: Shrek the Musical Delivers Humor and Heart at the Kravis Center.

September 27th, 2024

Audiences at the Kravis Center were treated to a vibrant, heartwarming, and hilarious production of Shrek the Musical, a stage adaptation of the beloved animated film. Running from September 27 through September 29, 2024, this rendition captures the whimsical spirit of the movie while bringing new depth to the characters and story through live theater. With its mix of humor, heartfelt themes and spectacular production design, this show promises to be a memorable experience for all ages.

Cecily Dionne Davis as Fiona in Shrek The Musical (Credit cyorkphoto)

The musical follows the familiar story of Shrek, an ogre who embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona in exchange for reclaiming his peaceful swamp from the encroaching fairytale creatures. Along the way, Shrek (played by Nicholas Hambruch) is joined by his loyal and endlessly talkative companion Donkey (Naphtali Yaakov Curry), and together they face numerous challenges, uncover secrets and form unexpected friendships. Princess Fiona (Kelly Prendergast) is not your typical damsel in distress, and the show’s exploration of self-acceptance, friendship and love stays true to the heart of the film while adding new layers through original songs and live performances.

Naphtali Yaakov Curry as Donkey in Shrek The Musical (Credit cyorkphoto)

The stage design at the Kravis Center elevates the production to another level, immersing the audience in the world of Shrek. From the moment the overture begins, the green lights that flood the auditorium pull viewers into Shrek’s swamp. Scenic designer Steven C. Kemp has outdone himself with creative use of see-through trees, vines and green lighting to depict the woods and swamp where Shrek’s adventure begins.

The Company of Shrek The Musical (Credit cyorkphoto)

However, Lord Farquaad’s castle is a spectacle on its own, featuring a giant circle sign with Farquaad’s face, a lavish gold-and-white throne, and a smaller stage adorned with purple, white and yellow lighting. The dragon-guarded castle is just as striking, with a gate framed by giant fake rocks, a glowing red ombre backdrop and fabric effects simulating fire.

One of the most creative uses of the ensemble came during the night scenes in the woods. Ensemble members doubled as twinkling 3-D stars, enhancing the emotional impact of “Who I’d Be,” a touching song performed by Shrek. This seamless integration of cast and set design, combined with Ben Selke‘s atmospheric sound design, gave the production a magical, immersive quality that captured the audience’s imagination.

The Company of Shrek The Musical (Credit cyorkphoto)

The costumes in Shrek the Musical were another highlight of the production, striking a balance between paying homage to the original Broadway show and introducing fresh elements. Shrek, Fiona and Donkey’s costumes were faithful to their Broadway counterparts, while some characters took on a new look.

Notably, Lord Farquaad, played by Timmy Lewis, was portrayed quite differently from the traditional interpretation. Instead of the usual joke of Farquaad’s short stature (typically achieved by having the actor perform on his knees), this version featured a Farquaad of average height who dances alongside the Duloc performers. The comedy came instead from the revelation that Farquaad is wearing a wig and is actually bald—a fun twist that still captured the character’s vanity.

Timmy Lewis as Lord Farquaad & Ensemble in Shrek The Musical (Credit cyorkphoto)

Tori Kocher’s portrayal of Dragon also deviated from the norm. Instead of the massive puppet audiences may remember, Kocher appeared in a flowing red dress with moveable wings. The dragon’s long, easily controlled tail, operated by a fairytale character in matching red, added an impressive visual dynamic to her scenes. This shift in design maintained the dragon’s presence while allowing for more fluidity in her movements.

Tori Kocher as Dragon in Shrek The Musical (Credit cyorkphoto)

Additionally, Little Shrek, Little Fiona and Teen Fiona were brought to life using puppets, controlled either by ensemble members or the tech crew. The singing for Little Fiona (Kiana Clarke) and Teen Fiona (Katherine Paladichuk) was handled by fairytale characters, adding a layer of creative complexity to the performance.

While the entire production dazzled, one scene in particular captured the audience’s heart: the finale of “Who I’d Be,” performed by Shrek, Fiona and Donkey. This emotionally charged song showcases the trio’s powerful vocals, and the harmony between Nicholas Hambruch, Kelly Prendergast and Naphtali Yaakov Curry was unforgettable. The emotional weight of the song was amplified by the stunning lighting design, which enveloped the stage in warmth and made the performance a clear standout of the show.

The success of Shrek the Musical at the Kravis Center can be attributed not only to the talented cast, but also to the dedicated team working behind the scenes. Producer Dani Davis and company manager Eric Bricking ensured the smooth operation of the show, while Marisa Christie, the stage manager, orchestrated every movement with precision.

Will Farnham and Nicole Sharra handled the complex production management, while Jeanine Tesori’s music, under the direction of Harrison Roth, added emotional depth to the story. The show’s impressive puppet design was crafted by Camille Labarre and Cam Upton‘s props helped to bring the fairytale world to life.

Shrek the Musical at the Kravis Center was a visual and emotional treat, showcasing a perfect blend of humor, heart and spectacle. With performances running until September 29th and a national tour extending through December, audiences across the country will have the chance to experience this delightful production. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the animated film or new to the story, Shrek the Musical is a must-see for anyone looking for a magical night of theater.