Shrek the Musical at The Arts Theatre - Review

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Fri 19 Jan 2018 - Sat 27 Jan 2018

The Adelaide Youth Theatre Company presents Dreamworks 'Shrek the Musical' playing at The Arts Theatre from January 19th until January 27th. Based on the 2001 film Shrek, Shrek The Musical features music by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. The crowd was a mix of ages from children through to Generation X. Shrek is a beloved tale that can be enjoyed time after time.

This is the story of Shrek, a mean ugly ogre who lives alone in a swamp. He's happy with his life and doesn't realise anything is missing until he meets a donkey named Donkey and a Princess locked away in a tower. When Shrek's swamp is suddenly filled with fairy-tale creatures, he sets out to find Lord Farquaad to remove them.

Along the way, Donkey becomes his best friend and makes him realise life can be more fun with friends. Lord Farquaad agrees to give Shrek back his swamp in exchange for a dangerous mission. Shrek has to rescue Princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. The Princess had a secret, a curse that been put upon her long ago that between sunrise and sunset she is a human, but at night, she becomes an ogre. She could be exactly what Shrek needs in his life!

Andrew Crispe, who played Shrek, did a great job. He has an on-stage sassy attitude and incredible voice that was highlighted in 'When Words Fail'. His on-stage chemistry with Tegan Gully was beautiful to see.

Gully did an incredible job with her character and it showed that she enjoyed the role. Her voice was perfect for 'Morning Person' and the crowd loved her in the scene where she has a sing-off with the bird. The standout scene was Fiona (Gully) and Shrek's (Crispe) duet to 'I Think I've Got You Beat'. This was such a crowd pleaser! It was fun to watch and the cast looked like they were having fun too. The scene with the three Fionas throughout the years was beautiful, featuring Gully, Kiara Linke and Gemma Dandie as they sang as a trio.

Nathan Stafford, who played Donkey, had this character down perfectly. The way he spoke, walked and the sassy confidence was great to watch.

Chad Crittle had a hard role, playing the antagonist, Lord Farquaad but he did an incredible job. It would've been hard to spend the entire production walking on your knees but he did it with poise. The way it was portrayed was hilarious and realistic but it was the cha-cha kicks that stole the show. The crowd loved that 'Whats Up Duloc?' was recreated as it is in the movie with puppets dancing. Crittle brought a comical sassy approach to Farquaad that left the crowd wanting more.

Zali Sedgman did a beautiful job as Dragon, it was creatively presented with a huge puppet of a dragon with Sedgman walking in front singing. This was remarkable to watch and alongside her solo of 'Forever', which was presented beautifully. The Three Blind Mice stood out as they were sassy with jazzed up dance moves that accompanied Donkey (Stafford) perfectly in 'Make a Move'.

Starring Tegan Gully & Rebecca Raymond as Fiona, Alana Sheperdson & Taylor Coad as Fairy God Mother, Laura Brook as Sugar Plum Fairy, Zali Sedgman & Serena Martino-Williams as Dragon, Michelle Davy & Taylor Tran as Humpty, Brady Lloyd & Chad Crittle as Lord Farquaad, Ryan Vandermyle & Oscar Bridges as Pinocchio, Leah Harford & Jasmin Teurlings as Gingy, Nathan Stafford & Jack Conroy as Donkey and Raymond Cullen and Andrew James Crispe as Shrek.

Featuring all your favourite songs including "Big Bright Beautiful World", "Story of My Life", "The Goodbye Song", "Don't Let Me Go", "I Know It's Today", "Welcome to Duloc/What's Up, Duloc?", "This is How a Dream Comes True", "Who I'd Be", "Make a Move", "I'm a Believer" and more.

As the show came to a close, the cast danced and the crowd clapped along to 'This is Our Story', followed by 'I'm A Believer'. 5/5 stars. Overall, another incredible production by Adelaide Youth Theatre Company, featuring a beautiful rendition of a beloved family favourite.

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!date 19/01/2018 -- 27/01/2018
%wnadelaide