Since I started my support of community theatre after the pandemic one of the biggest surprises I’ve seen is Shrek: The Musical. I’m not the biggest fan of the movie (I like it but don’t love it) and the idea of it being turned into a musical seemed uninspired at best. Then I went and saw it and ended up loving it! It’s such a funny show and expands on all the good parts of the movie. The latest production of 2 I am seeing in August is from The Sandy Arts Guild and is another winner from this wonderful local arts council.

The first element that one can’t help but be impressed by here is the incredible sets by Vic Groves. They always crush it on the sets at Sandy Arts Guild and this is no exception. I love the way they seamlessly combined the projections with the handmade sets making it look immersive and vibrant. Fiona and Lord Farquaad’s castles are particularly impressive with Fiona’s castle creating a believable lava look with stage smoke added in for additional atmosphere. The costumes by Rebecca Fenton-Richards are also magical with the massive cast with unique looks for each of the fairytale characters and looks like Fiona’s short and longer dresses that need to transition quickly. They also have a rubber mask for Shrek that has to look convincing without taking away from the expression of actor Zac Freeman.

Speaking of actors I have little to complain about there. Freeman and Ella Henrie as Fiona have beautiful voices and a fun chemistry together. They could hold their own in any touring company coming through to do Shrek. Alex Taylor is also amazingly nimble on his knees as Lord Farquaad and especially in the opening scenes with Gingy (Savannah Ponder) delivers on the laughs.

One of my favorite moments of the show is “Morning Person” where Fiona ends up tap dancing ala Riverdance style with the blind mice and choreographer Judy Binns along with her strong ensemble of dancers pull this off very effectively. It’s a blast seeing the song grow from just Fiona and the Piper to a giant kickline to close out the song. It’s certainly a terrific way to open the Act 2. “Freak Flag” is another fun number and it’s a chance for us to get a break from the 4 leads and let the ensemble shine (something I really value in community theatre.)

The main feedback I’d give the company is because most of the cast is trying to do an exaggerated voice sometimes it is hard to understand what they are saying or singing about. Make sure to enunciate as much as possible particularly for the songs.

All in all, Shrek: The Musical at Sandy Arts Guild is a good time with enough laughs and heart to entertain the entire family. It is playing through August 16th and tickets are as low as $12. It will sell out quickly so get your tickets now. They can be purhcased here.

Shrek: The Musical has music by Jeanine Tesori with lyrics and book by David Lindsay-Abaire. It is based on the film Shrek by Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, Joe Stillman, and Roger S. H. Schulman and book by Shrek!
by William Steig.

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