Shrek the Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming adventure celebrating friendship, love, and the beauty of being uniquely yourself. Featuring a lively score by Jeanine Tesori, with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, this spectacle full of heart, humor, and show-stopping musical numbers is presented by The Community Players, adeptly directed by Marianne Lonati, who also directed the choreography. In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, the unlikely hero Shrek sets off on a life-changing journey, alongside a wisecracking Donkey, to rescue a feisty princess and reclaim his swamp. Along the way, they encounter a host of familiar fairy tale characters, a vertically challenged villain, and discover that real friendship and true love can be found in the most unexpected places. Like faraway kingdoms.
Says Lonati, “What I love most about Shrek the Musical is the happy, upbeat fairytale world. I only direct light and fluffy shows because to be immersed for months in anything darker is not good for mental health. And with the chaos we are living in these days, it is especially necessary to find a way to escape the daily bombardment of bad news. It has been wonderful playing with colorful characters who have been banned from their homes by a narcissistic wannabe king who wants everyone to look the same and forces them to praise him… Wait… Hmmmmm. The good news is, there is a happy ending, and the bad guy gets incinerated by a dragon! It is a hopeful show with a beautiful message of inclusion and love.”
The production stars Cody O’Toole as Shrek. This green monster is utterly entertaining throughout. Likewise for Katy Lazar, who makes the perfect companion in this fun, swamp-loving couple. Christopher Margadonna, who serves as president of The Community Players, takes the stage as Donkey. Shrek’s talkative sidekick is known for his comic relief, and Margadonna gets to flex his talented singing muscles to boot.
Chris Lovegood is hysterical as Lord Farquaad. Just wait until you see this antagonistic scene-stealer dominate the stage! Lovegood’s animated presence means words aren’t even necessary in order to elicit belly laughs! Lizzie Rider belts out Dragon’s tunes while Emily Fisher adroitly serves as puppeteer.
Neil G. Santoro has done an amazing job as set designer/master carpenter. There’s a lot going on in this large production, and no time for too many moving parts or set distractions, so kudos given where it’s much deserved! One smartly-planned staging serves as swamp, countryside, church, and a castle or two.
Orchestra conductor Renee Nelligan keeps the music and comical zings right on cue throughout the performance. A spirited intergenerational ensemble brings to life a colorful cast of fairy tale favorites: Kristen Allen, Misha Bennett, Mia Berube, Mitch Bertolino, Kaelyn Boss, Kylie Chartier, Paige Costigan, MK Darden, Molly Kate Donnelly, Karlie Fitzgerald, Amanda Grimaldi, Kendra Haggerty, Harper Hennings, Mac Jacob, Elaine Johnson, Jaime Kilday, Patrick Koshewa Sandra Louis, Matthew O’Brien, Alexandra Rickoff, Haley Robertson, Claudia Rufo, Harrie Salk, Neil Santoro, Dahlia Sussman, Valerie Sussman, and Daniel Thompson.
This larger-than-life musical offers colorful costumes, strong vocals, energetic choreography plus many sweet surprises! It’s a magical theatrical experience for all ages. Come see the “freaks with teeth” take the stage, and don’t forget to grab your pitchforks!
The Community Players present Shrek the Musical through April 26. There will be one 15-minute intermission; refreshments served in the Cafeteria. All donations will benefit TCP’s Special Project Fund. For more information, visit thecommunityplayers.org.