Review: SHREK THE MUSICAL at the FOX

The original animated film Shrek was a kind of adult fairytale, though it was obviously aimed squarely at the youth market as well, successfully spawning a franchise with sequels and merchandising galore. So, it should come as no surprise that Dreamworks would opt to try their luck on stage with a musical version of their blockbuster hit. Happily, like the original, it's a cute and amusing production that will play equally well to children and their parents, who will certainly appreciate some of the more grown-up humor the book and lyrics provide. The current production of Shrek The Musical, which is playing at the Fox Theatre, is a cleverly mounted show with fine performances and dazzling displays of technical wizardry.

The plot is pretty much the same as the movie with the evil, but miniscule, Lord Farquaad banishing all the fairytale characters from the kingdom, and forcing them to take up residence in a swamp. But that swamp just happens to be the home of Shrek the ogre. Outraged, he decides to pay Farquaad a visit and, by utilizing his unique talents and "charms", take back ownership of his land. Along the way he meets up with a loquacious donkey who aids him in his efforts.

Farquaad, who has eyes for the imprisoned Princess Fiona, barters a deal whereby Shrek will rescue the Princess in exchange for the return of his swamp land. Keep in mind that the tower is surrounded by molten lava and guarded by a dragon. If you've seen the film then you know that Shrek saves Fiona and that a spark of romance blossoms between the pair even though they appear to be complete opposites. But, you have to remember that the message that's central to this tale is all about accepting one another for what we are, not how we appear.

Eric Petersen does fine work leading the cast as Shrek, and he conjures up the required  Scottish brogue with aplomb. He's nicely paired with Alan Mingo, Jr., who brings soulful vocals and sassy attitude to the part in equal measure. Holly Ann Butler is a fiesty Fiona, and she acquits herself well vocally throughout, and David F.M. Vaughn is especially gleeful in his menace as the diminutive Lord Farquaad.

A large and talented supporting cast includes the superb puppetry work of Kevin Boseman, Tyrone Davis, Jr., Denny Paschall and Keven Quillon, who are listed as the Dragon puppeteers, as well as the vocal talents of Carrie Compere who gives the creature a voice that's able to rock the house during the rollicking number "Forever".

Jeanine Tesori's score serves the play well, and is undeniably tuneful in execution, but it really isn't very memorable. Perhaps, it's just the fact that the inclusion (and they had to didn't they?) of Neil Diamond's irresistibly catchy AM radio classic "I'm A Believer" at the conclusion (originally recorded by The Monkees) overwhelms with its familiarity. The real treat here is David Lindsay-Abaire's clever book and lyrics which peppers the dialogue and songs with witty bits that are deserving of greater attention.

Directors Jason Moore and Rob Ashford keep the tone light and the action moving at a fairly brisk pace, with seamless transitions between scenes. Their efforts are enhanced by Josh Prince's playful choreography, Tim Hatley's eye-popping scenic design, costuming and puppet design, as well as Hugh Vanstone's imaginative lighting, and Naomi Donne's makeup creations.

Shrek The Musical continues at the Fox Theatre through September 26, 2010.

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