Review: 'SHREK - The Musical' National Tour

Even before we enter the world of SHREK, a very familiar voice delivers the pre curtain speech regarding the use of cell phones. I won't tell you who it is although you can find out in your Applause Magazine. This voice sets the tone for the evening immediately putting you in a Disney/Dreamworks state of mind.

From the moment the curtain rises you are swept into the world of "SHREK-The Musical" thanks to Tim Hatley and Hugh Vanstone's scenic, costume and lighting design. It's like 3-D without the glasses and is a visual feast.

Closely following the film version (I had forgotten some details as it had been a while since I had seen it) it is a vivid adaptation. Complimenting the visuals are Jeanine Tesori's music & David Lindsay-Abaire's very fun score along with Josh Prince's choreography. The smart lyrics and fun melodies will make you giggle and smile and it obvious that this cast is enjoying every minute of it.

   (Eric Petersen as "SHREK")

The National Tour of Shrek stars Eric Petersen as the title character, Alan Mingo, Jr. as Donkey, the wonderful Haven Burton as Princess Fiona and David F.M. Vaughn as Lord Farquaad. All four actors do a wonderful job of bringing their characters to life, even with a sometimes less than great book. As on target as Mr. Mingo, Jr. is as Donkey, his jokes just aren't as funny as they should be. But that is no fault of his as he delivers them all with gusto. Haven Burton's Princess Fiona almost steals the night from the moment we meet her during the song "I Know It's Today" (A very cleverly staged number). From this point on Ms. Burton balances Fiona with a bi-polar but innocent sweetness injected with a bit of Karen from Will & Grace. As Lord Farquaad, Mr. Vaughn commands the stage like a wind- up toy with no evidence of winding down. The only downfall to his character is the "short all" gag that is used one too many times. The chemistry between Mr. Petersen and Mr. Mingo, Jr. is full of warmth. You cannot help but compare them to the movie and Mr. Mingo's Donkey was a bit more restrained than Eddie Murphy's, which actually made him more lovable. Mr. Petersen nails the part of Shrek. Rounding out these performances out is a stellar supporting cast with a standout performance by Blakely Slaybaugh as Pinocchio.

This is a very big musical with a sweet little story of love and acceptance. The laughs are not as robust as one would expect though. It also helps to know your blockbuster Broadway musicals as there are a number of references throughout the show. There is a nice balance of humor that both children and adults can enjoy. Most genius is the reference during the song "Freak Flag". With its sweet story, SHREK also seems to be winking at the audience with these references that were more humorous to the avid theater persons. But by the end of the evening I left feeling like I had just been read my favorite bedtime story that I want to hear over and over again.

"SHREK-The Musical" plays the Buell Theatre thru Nov. 28th.

Photo credit: Joan Marcus

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