Exhilarating, hilarious, charming and witty all aptly describe Shrek the Musical now at the Pantages. The tone is set when the show opens with a young Shrek being sent off on his own by his parents. It’s time for him to go, after all he is now 7 years old. . The presentation is so over the top that it quickly becomes compelling hilarity. Let the laughs begin! Shrek the Musical is very similar in story line to the original animated film, Shrek. But Shrek the Musical is Shrek in real 3D without the silly glasses.
The absolute star of the show is the plus sized green skinned lovable ogre Shrek played magnificently by Eric Peterson. (www.EricPetersonOnline.com). There are not enough words of praise in the English language to do justice to Peterson’s execution of this demanding role. Two hours are spent just on make up for each show. The costumes are large and must be exhausting to carry around for two and half hours. And yet kudos to the costume and make up people because the character looks like Shrek and not a guy in a Shrek suit. Eric Peterson captures the audience with his powerful voice and dances with stunning grace. Considering all of the elements of this particular performance and character Eric Peterson delivers is at the pinnacle of his craft. I salute you sir.
Of course the story of Shrek could not exist without the feisty Princess Fiona played by the very lovely NYU graduate and Broadway veteran Haven Burton. As you would expect from a production of this caliber Haven delivers consistently pure and beautiful singing and dance. But she brings comedic timing to the stage as well and that makes her the perfect Fiona. In one scene, also in the movie I have been told, Fiona and a bird are having one of those “who can hold the highest note longest” contests. When Fiona (Haven Burton) hits a truly amazing high note the bird explodes. For some reason that scene stuck in my mind amidst well over two hours of often side splitting laughter.
I can’t really explain it but Alan Mingo, Jr. didn’t just play the Donkey, he became the Donkey. He was so thoroughly immersed that he transformed fully on stage. Consequently Alan brought a huge dose of comedy to the show. A few times I even thought I heard Eddie Murphy speaking. At all times though it was Alan Mingo, Jr. performing to a level of perfection. (www.alanmingo.com).
Rounding out the leading quartet of characters is the height challenged man you love to hate, Lord Farquaad brought to life by David F. M. Vaughn. To achieve the necessary look David spent most of the show on his knees. Not only was the Farquaad character believable but I got the sense that David F. M. Vaughn was having as much if not more fun than the audience. www.davidFMVaughn.com).
The entire cast was just wonderful. The music was a treat and all that technical stuff that somehow hides in plain view was executed to perfection. Kudos to all.
Shrek the Musical is a collaborative production from DreamWorks Theatrical and Neal Street Productions, Ltd. The book and lyrics are from David Lindsay-Abaire who recently received two Tony Award nominations. The music is from composer Jeanine Tesori who has written four Tony nominated scores for Broadway.
When you take a great and proven story and deliver it with a superstar group of talent you get a phenomenal show – you get Shrek the Musical. The show is at the Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028. Shrek the Musical runs now through July 31st, 2011. Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Ticket prices start at only $25 and may be purchased online at BroadwayLA.org or by calling 1-800-982-2787 and at all Ticketmaster outlets.
This is very much a child friendly show and children at least 3 years old are welcome.
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