Photo Coverage: Let Your Freak Flag Wave - SHREK Opens in Toronto

Toronto was a sea of green Tuesday night when the musical adaptation of the Dreamworks hit film SHREK opened at the Toronto Centre for the Arts.  Presented by Dancap, Aubrey Dan embraced the spirit of the show by donning the green ogre ears that were being passed out to all the kids in attendance.  The ogre ears everyone were happily wearing helped set the tone for the entire evening - fun, silly and all inclusive.  It was extremely fitting given the message of tolerance and acceptance at the heart of the production.

SHREK the Musical follows the same plot as the first film in the popular franchise, which sees Shrek (played to over the top perfection by Lukas Poost) embark on a mission to obtain the deed to his swamp, which has been overrun by fairy tale creatures (a solid ensemble made up of many of your favourite characters - including the scene stealing 'Gingy' the Gingerbread Man).  In order to earn the deed from the evil Lord Farquaad (played to maximum laughs and minimum stature by Merritt David Janes), Shrek must rescue Princess Fiona (a vocally stunning Liz Shivener) and deliver her to Farquaad so they can marry.  Along the way he meets and befriends the loveable 'Donkey' (the hilarious Andre Jordan) and the two of them set out on a journey that ends with Shrek falling in love.

It may not be Shakespeare, but SHREK the Musical is good, clean fun for the entire family.  The children in the audience on opening night were clearly having a blast, and there's enough humour and talent in this production to keep the parents happy as well.

BWW was on hand to capture photos of the SHREK gang in action on opening night and we are thrilled to bring them to our readers:

When and Where?

Shrek the Musical

The Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts

Performance Schedule:

March 20th - April 1st

Tuesday - Saturday at 7:30PM

Wed, Saturday and Sunday at 2PM

Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at 416-644-3665 or online at www.dancaptickets.com

All Photos by Racheal McCaig Photography