National Tour of SHREK THE MUSICAL Makes Stop at the Marcus Performing Arts Center

​By Mary Boyle
 
Can you believe that it’s been nearly 23 years since Shrek, the Dreamworks Animation film inspired by the children’s book of the same name by William Steig, hit the theaters?  Featuring the voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, and John Lithgow, Shrek was an unparalleled success, being the first to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and the first 21st Century animated film to be preserved in the Library of Congress National Film Registry.  Not only did the film inspire three sequels and a couple of Puss in Boots spin-offs, there was also a Broadway musical, with music by Jeanine Tesori and a book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, which ran for a little over a year.  Now, the Kimberly Akimbo award winning duo have revisited their original musical and sent it off for a national tour, so audiences can “fall in love all ogre again” with SHREK THE MUSICAL.

Directed and choreographed by Danny Mefford, the musical follows essentially the same storyline as the film, although here we get the chance to meet Shrek as a young child on his 7th birthday, which is also when his parents send him off into the world to find a place of his own.  Settling down in a swamp all to himself for several years, Shrek (Nicholas Hambruch) is shocked to suddenly find his home invaded by a bunch of fairy tale creatures who have been run out of the kingdom by Lord Farquaad (Timmy Lewis).  Shrek vows to go to the kingdom of Duloc to get his new neighbors restored to their own homes and is joined on his quest by a talking Donkey (Naphtali Yaakov Curry). When they reach Duloc, Lord Farquaad has another quest for Shrek to get his swamp back: he must rescue the Princess Fiona (Cecily Dionne Davis) from her tower, guarded by a fire-breathing dragon, so that Farquaad can marry her and legitimately become the King of Duloc.

This is not a Broadway-level version of the show, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good time.  The use of puppets helps to slim the cast and move the story along, as well as the original music written for the show and directed by Harrison Rothis.  What I like about the production is that the actors make the characters their own, rather than trying to be the originals from the film, which would be an impossible reach. The cast, overall, is quite talented – there were plenty of opportunities to steal the show, and Farquaad, Donkey, Pinnochio, and Gingy took turns doing it.  What I didn’t care for was the blatant rainbow washing with the “fabulous” wolf from Little Red Riding Hood.  The original message from the film, to learn to love and accept yourself the way you are, was far more subtle.  In this version of the musical, the writers don’t trust the audience to figure out the message for themselves, which is mildly annoying.  Nonetheless, the show is a good time for all, but especially those within the Shrek fandom.

SHREK THE MUSICAL comes courtesy of Round Room Live and Fifth Estate Entertainment to the Marcus Performing Arts Center, located at 929 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee, on Friday and Saturday, March 22nd and 23rd.  To purchase tickets, visit www.MarcusCenter.org, call 414-273-7206, or visit the MPAC Box Office at 929 North Water Street, Downtown Milwaukee.  Groups of 10 or more can secure their seats by calling 414-273-7207.  SHREK THE MUSICAL is the part of the2023/24 MPAC Presents Series.
 
About Marcus Performing Arts Center
A mission-based non-profit organization located in downtown Milwaukee, the Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC)brings high-quality arts and cultural programming to Southeastern Wisconsin. MPAC strives to act as an energizing force that connects the community to the world through collaboration, innovation, social engagement, and the transformative power of the performing arts. Through multiple performance series, community events, and educational experiences, MPAC brings a diverse range of celebrated artists to the region. A fixture in Milwaukee for over 50 years, MPAC is proud to be part of the Milwaukee Theater District, as well as a dedicated War Memorial facility. Learn more at www.MarcusCenter.org.

About Fifth Estate Entertainment
Founded in 2016, Fifth Estate Entertainment is a New York based theatrical production and general management company specializing in developing and producing live entertainment for the stage as well as managing tours, New York City productions, and special events. Recent productions include the 10th Anniversary tour of Rock of Ages, Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live, and In Residence on Broadway.
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About Round Room Live
Round Room Live is the leading producer and promoter of exhibitions and family show entertainment, specializing in transforming both new and iconic intellectual property into engaging and thrilling live events. Round Room creates unique live experiences tailored to the distinct character of each property and produces the highest quality productions for audiences around the world. Their current roster of touring theatrical shows includes: Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, Blippi The Musical (2023 Olivier Award nomination for Best Family production), Sesame Street Live!, Peppa Pig Live, Nitro Circus 20th Anniversary Tour, and Blue’s Clues & You! Live On Stage. Round Room’s Immersive and Entertainment Experiences division is currently touring: Formula 1: The Exhibition, Jurassic World: The Exhibition, Mandela: The Official Exhibition, and Tupac Shakur: Wake Me When I’m Free.
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