Theater Review: 'Shrek, the Musical' Delivers Grand Spectacle and Even Grander Comedy

My general reluctance to see musicals for children (a sentiment perhaps rooted in my overall disdain for kids) meant I approached Shrek, the Musical, with a neutral set of expectations. However, the production leveraged its grand spectacle and comedic timing, making it a show I'm just glad I got to see on its gala night. The show opened on October 31 and runs until December 21—just before the holidays.

Shrek, the Musical, with music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, is based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film Shrek (obviously). The protagonist is played by Jamie Wilson, an unlikely hero who embarks on a journey with Donkey (Topper Fabregas) to save Princess Fiona (Krystal Kane). Sounds like your typical hero's journey with a dash of damsel-in-distress trope, but the show quickly proves it's not, and that's what makes Shrek a delightful narrative to watch. Add to that a dose of humor delivered by its ensemble—an overall tone that the whole production harnesses and does so successfully.

In this narrative, Shrek is a jaded grown-up who spends his days in his own swamp in an effort to avoid the commotion (and the noise) of the rest of the village—which is immediately relatable. Wilson renders a bah-humbug vibe, so palpable that I can only imagine the rolling eyes even behind that imposing Shrek mask (with costume designs from the Broadway production, executed locally by Eric Pineda).

A perfect foil to this character is the energetic and cheeky Donkey. Fabregas is rightfully cast, delivering a performance defined by his most sassy voice and movement—I couldn't imagine this role being played by anyone else in the industry. Keeping that energy consistent throughout the show is a feat in itself, and doing it with such gusto and with the right comedic beats is deserving of all the applause.

In the role of Princess Fiona, Kane makes sure that the resident damsel-in-distress is anything but. Slightly unhinged, she nails the gross-out humor, especially in the burp and fart scene alongside Wilson's Shrek. But she can also be poignant (without losing that funny spirit) when need be, as in "I Know It's Today."

Not to be missed is Alfredo Reyes' big comeback to Manila theater with Lord Farquaad. If theater is a sport, Reyes and Fabregas take home the gold, especially with the stamina and endurance that can probably match Physical: Asia's athletes. Reyes does most of his scenes on his knees, as if it never bothered him, to compound the illusion of a vertically challenged tyrant. His gumption, coupled with his voice and character's choreography (by Stephen Viñas), all contribute to his instinct to deliver the punch lines when it matters.

The ensemble’s commitment to their roles is undeniable, but it’s the quality of the overall production design that truly brings the fairy-tale world of Shrek to life.

Full House Theater Company, the theatrical and entertainment production arm of Newport World Resorts, has always been known for going all-out in terms of its visuals for its shows. The concert-slash-musical-slash concert Delia D and the out-of-this-world Buruguduystunstugudunstuy are proof of this. And Shrek, the Musical, directed by Dexter M. Santos, is no different.

If we're talking about scenography, Lawyn Cruz, as the scenic designer, really turned that stage into the Kingdom of Dulox, Shrek's swamp, and even the dragon's lair. Instead of half-sized backdrops, you have towering trees. Instead of a small prop at the center, you have a whole shack. Instead of one bridge in this quest, you have a few.

And let's not forget the dragon, with puppetry courtesy of Kayla Teodoro. That figure physically dominates the stage, with Julia Serad's voice giving it a commanding presence.

Likewise, Meliton Roxas' lighting design works in sync with the expansive visual presentation. He doesn't waste an inch of space, going all out to enhance the scale and mood, which beautifully complements GA Fallarme's video projection (his last before passing away) that was seamlessly integrated into the stage.

Shrek, the Musical, is a fun experience that effortlessly delivers on its promise of spectacle and comedy. I especially loved the part where Shrek, Donkey, and their fairytale universe break the fourth wall and come up to the audience. While its themes border on the clichéd—this is Disney, after all—it still makes for a family-friendly, holiday-perfect musical.

Shrek, the Musical, closes on December 21 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport World Resorts, Pasay City. Tickets are still available through Ticketworld, with prices ranging from P1,500 to P4,500.

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