Shrek

Postcard Review by Caroline Russell-King

Show – Shrek the musical

Playwright/s/Composer/s – Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, music by Jeanine Tesori, based on the Dreamworks Motion Picture and the book by William Steig.

Production Company/Theatre space – StoryBook Theatre / The Beddington Arts Centre

Length – 2 Acts, 2 hours, 40 minutes (one 15-minute intermission)

Genre/s – Musical fantasy

Premise – In a world populated by storybook characters, an ogre tasked with rescuing a princess for marriage to the king, goes on a journey with an enthusiast donkey, and (after a surprise plot twist) they all live happily ever after.

Why this play? Why now? – Great family show with name recognition that deals with the concepts of inclusion.

Curiosities – How does a physical comedy bit work time after time in productions and yet seem fresh? How can StoryBook have longer runs so that everyone can see these shows?

Notable Moment – The short schtick.

Notable writing – The musical ran for a year on Broadway and was nominated for a Tony. The show then had a successful run in the West End and now tours internationally.

Notable performances – As the titular character Cash Finch beautifully captures the irascible essence of the ogre. Jillian Bauer not only finds the core of Princess Fiona but is a powerhouse singer. Channeling Eddy Murphy in humour and timing, Harold Kalinga gives us a treat with his performance of Donkey. Chantal Palmer as the dragon also has a powerful presence but the show belongs to Nic Chamberlain; Lord Farquaad is one of the funniest characters seen on the StoryBook stage.

Notable design/Production – Waiting for the show to begin I thought, “That looks like another great Terry Gunvordahl set design!”. He is the master. Costume Designer Vanessa Taylor and Wardrobe Coordinator Darcie Howe pull off a dazzling array of multiple quick changes and superb design features. The paper head pieces are an example of ingenuity over cost. The dragon, designed by Mattthew McAvene, despite losing an ear mid show was impressive.

Notable direction – Director Andrew Tribe along with Musical Director Ethan Vasquez Taylor, and Choreographer Craig Pember have pulled off a successful show.

One reason to see this show – I’m a believer … in great theatre. Go if you can (it might be sold out already).