by Mike Sherfy, KnoxPages.com theater critic
MOUNT VERNON – “Shrek” has never been my favorite animated movie. Up-ending the fairy tale model by making the ogre into a hero is interesting, but the execution was lacking. Like many Dreamworks films, its humor—often rooted in ephemeral pop-culture references—does not always age well. And—like too many children’s movies—its less-than-stellar sequels tarnish the reputation of the original. But the current MTVarts production of “Shrek: The Musical” surprised me.
The story was essentially that of the movie. If you have kids, you know it well. Shrek, a grumpy ogre, seemingly content to live out his lonely days in a swamp, has his life disrupted by a horde of familiar fairy-tale characters displaced by Lord Farquaad, the diminutive ruler of Duloc. Farquaad seeks to impose order on his not-quite-a-kingdom before marrying a princess and becoming its king. Shrek arranges to regain the deed to his swamp by rescuing a princess from a dragon’s lair and delivering her to Farquaad to become his bride. He accomplishes his task with the help of a talking donkey but, along the way, falls in love with the princess (who has a secret or two of her own). Eventually, everyone gets what they deserve and (aside from contractual obligations to appear in a few less-than-stellar sequels) seems on-track to live happily ever after.
But “Shrek: The Musical” is not just a story. It is a PRODUCTION…and it is a good one. The MTVarts team have set the bar high when it comes to colorful and mobile sets, layers of screen projections, fantastic lighting effects, and even a talking magic mirror capable of delivering some of the back story as a “DVD Extra”. Even with occasional hiccups, it looks great. The choreography is excellent and makes the most of an often-crowded stage for some elaborate routines—from a line of tap-dancing rats to a “Hair”-inspired rallying of the fairy-tale refugees to a princess and ogre swapping banter and flatulence. Oh…and there is also a twelve-foot tall, love-struck, pink-sequined dragon that breathes smoke and swoops around the stage belting out a Motown-influenced lament before she fights an ax-wielding ogre and his donkey.
It really is pretty cool.
The actors have a difficult task because they not only have to function onstage with lots of make-up and special effects but also have to compete with beloved versions of their characters from the film. Matt Starr is no Mike Myers, but his light Scottish brogue is solid enough and his gruff performance makes the ogre into a better straight man than Myers ever was. Aaron Moreland deftly walks a fine line between imitating Eddie Murphy (which seems an inextricable element of the character) and making Donkey a little more his own—literally chewing the scenery at times (which, as donkeys have no hands, seems appropriate). As Lord Farquaad, Ian Fraser Emsberger,is consistently hilarious even though his performance is hobbled by a sight gag. Amanda Mayville’s Princess Fiona delivers everything that one could want in a princess. And Carrie Haver’s Gingerbread Man and Matt Feck’s Pinocchio seem particularly likely to please younger audience members. All compare favorably to their animated predecessors.
Thematically, “Shrek: The Musical” has its hands full since it attempts to tell a story of love conquering all while also addressing the issue of fairy-tale characters’ often-difficult relationships with their parents and delivering justice to all its characters—all while slyly winking at the audience. The script’s reach sometimes exceeds its grasp. But people should not come to this production for its weighty themes. They should come for its catchy music, its witty dialogue, its fantastic effects, its stellar and well-costumed cast, and because it delivers fun for parents and children alike.
Besides, where else are you likely to encounter a man dressed as a talking donkey imitating Eddie Murphy singing like Barry White in central Ohio?
Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. July 10-12 and July 17-19 at Memorial Theater with an additional matinee at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13. Tickets are available online at mtvarts.com or at First Knox National Bank. Depending on availability, they may also be available at the door.
