The 2001 film “Shrek” defined a generation, and now we’re passing on the knowledge we learned in the swamp to the next generation through Young People’s Theatre’s Shrek the Musical. Directed by Herbie Barnes, Shrek the Musical has all of your favourite and most quoted lines from the film interspersed with David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s music (arranged for this production by Jeannie Wyse) created especially for Shrek the Musical. With the same themes of love and acceptance at the forefront, and the same hilarious fart jokes, Shrek the Muscial is the perfect play to take the whole family to this holiday season!
Set Design by William Layton, Costume Design by Joyce Padua, Lighting Design by Echo Zhou
Photo by Dahlia Katz
Shrek lives alone in his house in the swamp and he’s perfectly happy there; far away from the rest of the town is the perfect place for an ogre to lay low and enjoy the more simple things in life. However one day, a host of fairy tale creatures show up at his doorstep. They’ve been banished from the kingdom of Duloc by the evil Lord Farquaad. So Shrek travels to Duloc to try and get his swamp back for himself. Along the way he encounters a very talkative Donkey, who suddenly becomes his travel companion. When they meet Lord Farquaad, they discover his plan to marry Princess Fiona who’s locked up in a tower, but Farquaad doesn’t want to get his hands dirty (or burned by molten lava) doing it himself. So Shrek and Donkey take up the quest to rescue Princess Fiona from her dragon-guarded keep. But will they be able to find Fiona? And what if the Princess has some secrets of her own?
Set Design by William Layton, Costume Design by Joyce Padua, Lighting Design by Echo Zhou
Photo by Dahlia Katz
William Layton’s expansive and whimsical set design is dazzling; you can’t help but be amazed from the moment you walk into the theatre. With the colourful foliage not only covering the stage but also stretching onto the walls of the theatre space itself, Layton has entirely outdone himself. The multi-functionality of the set pieces is fascinating, making for quick set changes but also beautiful designs on both sides of the pieces, and I also loved the little hideaway in the trees for the live band! Unfortunately, Dragon doesn’t quite match the magic of the rest of the set; it’s like there’s a piece missing, it goes straight from the head to the tail section, looking more like a giant goldfish than a dragon. But the imagination can do wonders, and with the full lips and batting eyelashes, it certainly gives off similar vibes to the Dragon in the films. Joyce Padua’s costumes carry through many familiar themes and colour schemes from the original, while still making them unique and fun. Echo Zhou’s lighting design is spot on (pun intended) with quick colour changes or flashing lights to give us the full effect of Shrek’s rage or the hot lava outside of Fiona’s keep.
Set Design by William Layton, Costume Design by Joyce Padua, Lighting Design by Echo Zhou
Photo by Dahlia Katz
The entire cast of Shrek the Musical give high-energy and joyous performances. Trevor Patt stars as Shrek, and he is every bit as funny and charming as any Shrek fan could desire. Likewise Ellen Denny’s Princess Fiona is every bit as feisty and fabulous as the role calls for. Joema Firth’s Donkey is hilarious, the perfect foil to Patt’s Shrek. Michael Therriault’s Lord Farquaad is delightfully evil, and I give him tons of credit for the amount of stage time he spends on his knees! The whole ensemble plays multiple parts each, and they’re amazing to watch. I got to see Taj Crozier go on stage as Mama Bear, and he did a fabulous job. Mickey McKinnon, Alana Randall and Travae Williams are wonderfully sassy as the three little pigs, with an equally fabulous Jeff Madden playing the wolf. Megan Dallan and Emma Rudy play young and teen Fiona in what’s one of my favourite numbers of the show. Astrid Atherly gets to show off her incredible vocal range as both the Witch and Gingy. Tyler Pearce’s Pinocchio was delightful, and the mechanics for his nose were mind blowing!
Set Design by William Layton, Costume Design by Joyce Padua, Lighting Design by Echo Zhou
Photo by Dahlia Katz
Shrek the Musical is perfect for theatre goers young and old. With a story you know and love, and new songs to help it along, Shrek the Musical is both familiar and exciting. It’s difficult to express the wave of nostalgia I felt before the show as I realized they were playing the film soundtrack as their pre-show music; it made me want to call my sister as I don’t even know how many times we listened through that CD together. The iconic film certainly informed my generations ideas about body positivity and acceptance, and it’s amazing to see that messaging carried through for today’s little ones through Shrek the Musical. It’s the perfect addition to your holiday season!
Shrek the Musical runs at Young People’s Theatre until December 30. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/shows-tickets/shrek-the-musical/
Cover Photo: Ensemble of YPT’s SHREK THE MUSICAL. Set Design by William Layton, Costume Design by Joyce Padua, Lighting Design by Echo Zhou. Photo by Dahlia Katz.
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