Boston - "Shrek the Musical"

Regional Reviews: Boston

Regional Reviews by Sarah Chantal Parro

Shrek the Musical
Wheelock Family Theatre

Christopher Chew and Maurice Emmanuel Parent

You won't find the unique comedic stylings of Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy or hear Smash Mouth performing any songs, but at Wheelock Family Theatre's production of Shrek the Musical, kids and families will certainly enjoy a lively, colorful, and funny show. While it retains the more iconic jokes and all of the familiar characters, the musical is not an exact replica of the well-known DreamWorks film (released way back in 2001 and likely predating most of the children who will see this show). It's more of an homage, filled out with additional song and dance numbers and hammed up a bit for the kids. To be expected, there's a good deal of slapstick humor and jokes about bodily functions (and the younger audience members love it).

Playing everyone's favorite disgusting ogre is Christopher Chew, who puts on a nice Scottish accent for the role without feeling like a joke or a parody. Chew, who previously appeared in WFT's The Little Princess, Beauty and the Beast, and The Sound of Music, is a strong lead for the production, and he manages to make the role his own while still being fully Shrek. Maurice Emmanuel Parent plays Donkey with all of the endless energy and tireless physicality required of Shrek's optimistic, jolly foil of a friend. This is Parent's debut with the company; among many other area credits, he has performed as a resident member in Actors' Shakespeare Project's Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Princess Fiona is portrayed by Shonna Cirone, who brings a clear, strong voice and plenty of sass to the female lead. The rest of the ensemble is a talented mix of youth and adult performers, with a few standouts: Audree Hedequist and Erin McMillen play Young Fiona and Teen Fiona, respectively, and the two team up with Cirone for an impressive trio in the first act. Brittany Rolfs delivers a powerhouse solo as the Dragon, which is also one of the more impressive technical elements of the production: essentially a giant, graceful, carefully choreographed puppet. From the colorful, sparkling, feathery costumes to the beautiful backdrop lighting and transformative sets, all of the show's visual elements are first-rate.

On the whole, Shrek the Musical is a guaranteed good time for Boston families. This reviewer witnessed children dancing in their seats during the closing number, so you know they're doing something right.

Shrek the Musical is directed by Shelley Bolman with musical direction from Matthew Stern. The show runs through May 24th, 2015, at Wheelock Family Theatre, 180 Riverway, Boston, MA 02215. Performances are Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00pm. To purchase tickets, call 617-879-2300 or visit wheelockfamilytheatre.org.

Photo: Kippy Goldfarb

- Sarah Chantal Parro