A Big, Bright Beautiful Ogre

Shrek, The Musical – Marriott Theatre for Young audiences

 

The Autumn just became a little brighter and more magical, thanks to Marriott’s inventive, spectacular adapted re-imagining of the Tony-nominated musical that charmed Broadway in 2009. Originally starring Brian d’Arcy James, Chester Gregory and the incomparable Sutton Foster, it was a full-length fantasy feast for the eyes and ears. In the capable hands of the talented trio of director, Scott Weinstein, choreographer William Carlos Angulo and musical director Matt Deitchman, this 75-minute adaptation is perfect for young audiences. Whether or not theatergoers are familiar with DreamWorks’ animated film or the William Steig 1990 picture book that introduced the chubby, green ogre, Marriott’s riff on fairy tales is sure to entertain and delight every audience looking for something special. 

David Lindsay-Abaire’s hilarious characters are multi-faceted, or, as Shrek says, layered like an onion. Abaire’s wickedly funny book and lyrics, along with Jeanine Tesori’s hummable, 

pop-rock score, offer much more than what appears on the surface. Nods and winks to other famous musicals, such as “Les Miserables” and “Wicked,” with references to favorite movies, such as “Babe” and “The Wizard of Oz,” add another level of fun. Ms. Tesori’s songs are clever and catchy, especially “Big, Bright Beautiful World,” “Story of My Life,” “What’s Up Duloc,” “Morning Person” and, a personal favorite, that anthem to being true to yourself, “Freak Flag.”

Fourteen of Chicago’s most likably talented young triple threats create the magic in this ensemble-driven production, often playing many different roles. Shea Coffman, an extraordinarily gifted singer and comic actor, plays Shrek. The fabulously funny Jonathan Butler-Duplessis returns to the Marriott playing Donkey, everyone’s favorite smart-ass. And Jacquelyne Jones, who has emerged as one of Chicago’s dazzling new talents, employs sharp comedic delivery and incomparable vocal skill to play Princess Fiona. Along with Coffman and Butler-Duplessis, Ms. Jones all bring their musical A-game to their roles, each mastering a comedy that’s truly directed at audiences of all ages.

Another of Chicago’s finest musical comedy actors, Steven Strafford, is both a fine singer and a proven comedian. The versatile actor plays the diminutive baddie, Lord Farquaad, mostly on his knees, sometimes dancing and even riding a horse, with tiny prosthetic legs attached to his thighs. Hopefully his contract includes some well-earned massages after each performance. Mr. Strafford’s enormous grin simply lights up the stage, not an easy feat for a villain. The brilliant, multitalented ensemble also includes Stephen Allen, Jr., Landree Fleming, Rachel Guth, Kiersten Hodgens, Jersie Joniak, Ron King, Garrett Lutz, Sarah Ohlson, Liam Quealy and Sara Reinecke, all comically playing every other character, such as the Three Little Pigs, the Wicked Witch of the West and Pinocchio.

All this talent would simply flounder were it not for Mr. Weinstein’s flawless direction. Spilling across the Marriott stage and down the aisles, his talented cast often seems much larger. Add to this a versatile scenic and properties design by Kristen Martino, supported by video projections created byAnthony Churchill, a brilliant lighting plot by Jesse Klug and Theresa Ham’s sparkly, colorful fairy tale costumes, and you have a Broadway caliber Fall festivity that’ll appeal to the entire family.

 Once upon a time there was big, scary, green ogre, a beautiful princess with a deep, dark secret and a gregarious, wisecracking donkey. As luck would have it, they’re magically all in residence at the Marriott Theatre, in Lincolnshire, for the next several weeks, right through the holidays, and are we ever lucky to have them! 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas 

 

Presented October 13-December 30 by Marriott’s Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 847-634-0200 or by going to www.MarriottTheatre.com. or www.ticketmaster.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.