[NEohioPAL] Berko review: SHREK THE MUSICAL @ PHS and CPH announcement

[Roy Berko]

SHREK THE MUSICAL delights at Palace; CPH to move to Allen Theatre

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--
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Ian, my 11 year old grandson, one of the kid reviewers who I take to shows which 
are billed as tween and teen friendly to ascertain how younger audience members 
will like the offering, leaned over following the curtain call of SHREK THE 
MUSICAL, and smilingly said, “I really liked that!”  Complete with ogre ears on 
his head, he went on to say that he thought the talking Donkey was “hysterical” 
and filled me in on how the 30-foot dragon was operated by four puppeteers.  He 
thought that “kids and adults of all ages would have fun at the show,” but 
should know that “it is very long” (about 2 and a half hours).  

I agree with Ian.  SHREK, part of the Broadway series, is lighting up the stage 
at the Palace.  It is delightful.  

This is not an almost-like Broadway production.  The sets, costumes and special 
effects are all there.  According to Gina Vernaci, the Vice President of 
Theatricals for Playhousesquare, Eric Peterson, who portrays Shrek, gets to the 
theatre two hours before curtain to get into makeup.  It takes 10 trailers, each 
53 feet long, to transport the show on each of its moves.  This compares to the 
seven trucks that brought in last month's SOUTH PACIFIC.  There are 33 
containers of costumes.  The typical musical travels with 12.  This is not a 
cheapie production!  There is even a full, if sometimes overloud, orchestra.

SHREK has music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. 
It is based on the 1990 book SHREK! by William Steig, as well as the 2001 
DreamWorks film.  It opened in New York in December of 2008, after much 
rewriting and many cast changes,  and ran for 441 performances.  The touring 
production has been altered from the original Broadway show with the addition 
and deletion of songs, a new opening and improved illusions.  The biggest 
alteration is the size and operation of the dragon.  It is spectacular, and 
Carrie Compere, its voice, wailes a new song, “Forever.”

The story concerns a swamp-dwelling ogre who, as a child, was sent away by his 
parents to find his own path.  Big, green and ugly, the belching, gas passer, 
goes on a life-changing adventure when his land is invaded by a slew of fairy 
tale characters (e.g., Pinocchio, Wicked Witch, Sugar Plum Fairy, the 3 Bears, 
Peter Pan, Ugly Ducking and Big Bad Wolf) and by the mean, vertically challenged 
Lord Farquaad.  In order to get his land back, Shrek must rescue Fiona, a cursed 
lovely princess, fight a dragon, and figure out what to do with a smart-mouthed 
talking donkey, who becomes his “best friend.”  Hey, this is a fairy tale, 
remember?  All in all, the ridiculousness works, and works well.  And, yes, 
there is a happy ending.

The music is infectious.  I defy anyone to sit through “I'm a Believer” and not 
rock and roll in your seat.  Other highlights include:  “I Know It's Today,” 
“Who I'd Be,” “Morning Person,” and the hysterical “Don't Let Me Go.” 

The cast is outstanding.  Eric Peterson (Shrek) has a big voice, a nice touch 
with comedy, and burps with the best of them.  Holly Ann Butler is delightful as 
Princess Fiona.  She lights up the stage and equals Peterson in burping and gas 
passing.  Alan Mingo, Jr. is donkey perfect!  Blakely Slaybaugh, complete with 
growing nose, makes Pinocchio live.  David E. M. Vaughn is wonderful as Lord 
Farquaad. 

The choreography and costumes add to the overall delight.

CAPSULE JUDGEMENT:   Okay, I'm a sucker for a well staged, fun musical.   SHREK 
fits the bill.  I left humming the songs and smiling as many of the kids and 
adults walked out wearing their ogre ears, proudly stating that they had became 
believers!

Tickets for SHREK THE MUSICAL, which runs through March 13 at the Palace 
Theatre, can be ordered by calling 216-241-6000 or going to 
www.playhousesquare.org.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE MOVE TO THE ALLEN

The public is invited to learn about the CPH's move to the rehabbed Allen 
Theatre at a series of open houses.  The wine and cheese events will be held on 
Saturday, March 19, 26 and April 2 from 5-6 ,Sunday March 13, 27 and April 3 
from 4 to 5, and Thursday March 17 and 31 from 3:30 to 4:30.  Reservations are 
required.  To attend, email lcraig at clevelandplayhouse.com.  THE EVENT IS AT THE 
CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE, 8500 EUCLID AVENUE.  
Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 
2011, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at 
http://royberko.info.  His reviews can also be found on www.coolcleveland.com 
and www.NeOHIOpal