Review: SHREK THE MUSICAL a Family Delight at the White Theatre

A delightful production of Shrek the Musical opened Saturday night July 11 at the White Theatre in the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park, Kan. Tim Bair directs the production in conjunction with Theater in the Park. The musical plays through July 26 at the White Theatre and then moves to Theater in the Park from July 31 through August 8.

Jeanine Tesori scored the music for Shrek the Musical based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture Shrek, with book by David Lindsay-Abaire. The show made its Broadway debut in December of 2008 and ran for 12 months closing in January 2010. The Broadway production was nominated for eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, winning the Tony Award for Best Costume Design. It received nominations for twelve Drama Desk Awards, winning for Outstanding Actor in a Musical, Outstanding Set Design, and Costume Design.

Marsha Canady conducted the 14-piece orchestra and provided musical direction while Kacy Christensen designed the choreography for the White Theatre production. Julia Ras designed the wonderful costumes for the cast and Jayson Chandley designed the scenery and lighting. Paul Mesner Puppets provided the dragon puppet fabrication, which was marvelous to watch.

Shrek an ogre must save the Princess Fiona from a dragon, in order to save his own wooded home from the infestation of fairy tale characters sent there by Lord Farquaad. Shrek against his better judgement takes on Donkey as a friend and confidant. The journey back to the Farquaad castle is full of delightful twists as Princess Fiona's curse is revealed.

Robert Hingula is fabulous as the green menacing Shrek. Hingula has a fantastic voice, giving a strong performance as the eventual hero of the story. He was last seen as Lennie in the White Theatre production Of Mice and Men. In that show he proved he is a marvelous dramatic artist and after opening night on Saturday that his voice is as big as his talent.

Jessica Alcorn gives a superb performance as Princess Fiona. This is her third summer season at the White Theatre. She previously has appeared in Hair, Spamalot, Hairspray, Legally Blonde, and 9 to 5. Omari Collins appears as the comical and cowardly Donkey. This is his second show with Theatre in the Park. Kipp Simmons on bended knees is fabulous as Lord Farquaad, the short tempered and short statured ruler who sends Shrek on his quest. Simmons has previously appeared at The Barn Players, KC Fringe, Musical Theater Heritage, and the Unicorn Theatre among others.

Shrek the Musical is a charming musical romp for the entire family, whether viewed in the air-conditioned White Theatre or the outdoor stage at Theater in the Park. Shrek the Musical continues at the White Theatre through July 26. Purchase tickets by calling the box office at 913-327-8054 or visit the White Theatre website.

Photo Courtesy of The White Theatre and Copyright Bob Compton Photography

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