Jolly fun to be had during Rep’s ‘Shrek’
The character of Shrek surely has a place in the underdog hall of fame. He’s big, loud, smelly and ugly — the things you expect in an ogre. But everyone loves a good underdog story — and so it was with Shrek, whose self-titled hit film yielded three sequels and a slew of spinoffs including a Broadway musical.
Orlando Repertory Theatre is staging the version of that musical designed for young audiences. That means the show has been condensed for shorter attention spans. But considering how bloated the original show felt, this is an improvement.
As directed by Steve Mackinnon at the Rep, “Shrek the Musical TYA” mostly zips along — the plot is clear, the production numbers hit the right spot, the actors are engaging. The show boasts fun production touches, too, from costumes to lighting to puppets (especially the giant dragon).
The production can’t overcome the flaws of the original show — not every song is a keeper, the transition from animation to live action saps the story’s whimsy, and all the emotional plot development is crammed in at the end.
But with all its bells and whistles, the Rep’s production cheerily distracts from the material’s shortcomings.
The plot follows the same path as the film: When Shrek’s peaceful swamp is overrun by fairy-tale characters banished by Lord Farquaad, he strikes a deal with the evil lord that the ogre can have his home back if he rescues Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower and
Theater review
What: “Shrek the Musical TYA” Length: 1:50, including intermission When: 2 and 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through May 17
Where: Orlando Repertory Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando
Cost: $18; $16 students, seniors, military; $12 ages 3-17
What else: Sensory-friendly production for those with autism or similar disorders, 5:30 p.m. April 19; American Sign Language interpreted, 5:30 p.m. May 2; Papa John’s Pizza Family Night, 5:30 p.m. April 25 (pizza sold before and after the show
Call: 407-896-7365 brings her to marry Farquaad.
During the adventure, Shrek meets a motormouth Donkey and finds he has feelings of his own for the mysterious princess.
Colton Chase Brooks is a chipper Shrek, even when the chips are down. Jillian Gizzi’s Fiona is sassy, Michael Williams is a toned-down Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Spencer Morrow is properly petulant as Farquaad.
Rob Winn Anderson’s choreography lifts the production numbers, and ensemble members Amitria Fanaé and Kayla Alvarez use their powerful voices to good effect.
Orlando Repertory Theatre previously saw huge success with this show in 2013, as performed by the children in its Youth Academy. The theater’s now 2-for-2 with the jolly green ogre.