Review: SHREK Amuses at La Comedia Dinner Theatre

The heat may be getting every one down but one sure way for your family to beat the heat is with laughter at the current production of SHREK at La Comedia Dinner Theatre.

SHREK, music by Jeanine Tesori and book/lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, is based on the 2001 film starring Michael Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy. The musical contains the same basic story but with all new music giving us a full blown musical. The music brings new energy to the old story and the audience seemed to be having a great time on the night I attended, young and old alike. Shrek sets out on a journey to rid himself of the fairy tale creatures that are invading his solitude in the swamp and along the way, with the help of Donkey and Princess Fiona, finds that solitude might not be as great as he thought.

Jason S. Lakes gives an excellent performance as the titular Shrek. He's angry with the fairy tale creatures at the beginning, stubborn with Donkey, poignant and adorable on "When Words Fail" and weirdly flirtatious with Princess Fiona in "I Think I Got You Beat", he hits all of the right notes with his character.

Lucy Bobbin is a lovely counterpart in Princess Fiona. Her "Morning Person" complete with dance break in the middle is particularly noteworthy. James Major Burns keeps the comedy rolling as Donkey as he persists at becoming Shrek's best buddy, no matter how Shrek feels about the situation. Cory Candelot plays the fourth wall breaking Lord Farquaad as he lets the audience in on the joke often, although at times takes it a little too far and steals the scene when the focus should be elsewhere. His costume makes it difficult for him to not steal every scene however. There is also some lovely dancing and fun numbers from the ensemble, most notably "Freak Flag".

Shrek runs through August 11, 2019 with several shows per week. Matinees are available on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays with evening performances on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Ticket prices run from $61-$74 with children under 11 for $30. For Sunday brunch, you can get 4 tickets for the prices of 3. Call 937-746-4554, 1-800-677-9505 or go online at www.lacomedia.com for tickets. La Comedia is located at 765 W. Central Ave Springboro, Ohio 45066. Menu information is available online at www.lacomedia.com.

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