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<DIV><FONT size=3>Love At First Fart</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=3>By Tom Wachunas </FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=3> Note to self: The next time Jonathan
Tisevich directs a Players Guild Theatre production, sneak into rehearsals to
find out how he’s able to so consistently inspire sustained, high-energy
performances from his cast. Does he spike the drinking water, cast hypnotic
spells, conjure the Muses? His impressive track record as a former Players Guild
Resident Director includes electrifying productions of Ragtime, Beauty and the
Beast, Peter Pan and Oliver, among others. Whatever his methodology might be,
and with this superbly capable cast, he’s outdone himself with Shrek The
Musical.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=3> Based on the DreamWorks animated film, with
lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori, this is the story of
Shrek, a friendless ogre whose private swamp is invaded by a veritable mob of
fairytale characters exiled by from the land of Duloc by mad Lord Farquaad. To
regain the deed to his land, Shrek must find the maiden Fiona, imprisoned in a
dragon’s lair, and bring her to Farquaad to wed. The story is laced with
sophisticated humor and inside jokes, often geared more toward adult
appreciation. That said, there’s plenty of snap, giggle and pop in this send-up
of classic fantasy tales to engage the whole family.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=3> Micah Harvey, as the cranky green ogre with the
Scottish brogue, is a credible embodiment of Shrek’s heft and heart, bringing to
the role a robustly honest singing voice. As the story progresses, he slowly but
surely sheds his fierce territorial and cantankerous demeanor, no doubt a
surrender to the comically annoying antics and magnanimous nature of his
travelling companion, Donkey. In that role, Brandon Talbert is delightfully
fleet of hoof and mouth – a hyperactive gadfly, unafraid of Shrek’s “ferocity”
and who brings palpable soul to his singing.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=3> In a fascinating bit of casting turnabout, Craig
Joseph, who has in the past directed remarkable Guild productions such as
Legally Blonde and Hairspray, owns the role of Lord Farquaad. Bedecked in a
clever sight-gag costume that leaves him notably short in physical stature but
long on show-stopping laughs, Joseph commands our attentions with brazen aplomb.
He presents a deliriously weird portrait of an eccentric, strutting megalomaniac
with an inferiority complex. Alternately a needy bad boy, a bossy clown, a
calculating misanthrope, he’s an altogether high-stepping parody of fantasy
villains.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=3> An eminently gifted actress and singer,
Brittany Lynne Eckstrom plays Fiona with marvelous expressivity. At times sweet
and vulnerable, at others sardonic and earthy, she delivers some of the
evening’s most engaging scenes and songs. Among those, I Know It’s Today is a
reflection on her hope to be rescued by her true love, sung as if unfolding
across time, joined by her young self (Brianna Swinford) and teen self (Natalie
Welch). Their harmonies are utterly gorgeous. And I Think I Got You Beat is a
raucous duet with Shrek, wherein they argue as to who has had the harder life.
It’s here that Shrek finds to his delight that Fiona can fart and belch as
effectively as any…ogre. Ain’t love grand?</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=3> A particularly electrifying component is
appearance of Tahja Grier, singing as the Dragon in her fiery, no-holds-barred
R&B style. And more giddy thrills are provided by the ensemble of displaced
classic fairy tale characters who champion rather than hide their freakishness,
all led by the hilariously frenetic Pinocchio, played by Greg
Rininger.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=3> You’d think that translating the magic of
digital animation on the scale of the Shrek films to a live stage would be an
impossible task. The visuals alone might seem too weighty and cumbersome. But
the elaborate costuming by Jensen Glick doesn’t limit the cast’s ability to stay
infectiously lithe and vivacious while performing the Broadway-caliber
choreography by Michael Akers and Mary Vacani. Combined with the scenic design
by Joshua Erichsen and the exhilarating live orchestra under Steve Parsons, this
is a happy conspiracy of production elements that makes for dazzling doings in
Duloc.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=3> Shrek The Musical, Players Guild Theatre
Mainstage, THROUGH JUNE 1, 1001 Market Ave. S., Canton. Tickets $25 adults, $23
seniors, $19 ages 17 and younger. Order at www.playersguildtheatre.com or
call 330.453.7617 </FONT></DIV></DIV></DIV></BODY></HTML>