Shrek, The Musical Jr

Curtain Call certainly knows how to put on a professional show. Shrek The Musical Jr was a colourful and energetic feel good production. The audience were greeted with a fabulous set that was changed quickly, efficiently and quietly keeping the show flowing and at great speed.

The cast had been well rehearsed, entrances and exits were great and the whole production had a quality feel about it. I did however wonder why some characters appeared to be late to the stage during the big opening number following the prologue but quickly realised how fast some of the costume changes must have been behind the scenes for those playing multiple roles.

Direction was good with adequate spacing on stage for the cast, choreography was of the usual high standard and sight lines were god meaning that I could see all performers. It was good to see the development of a tap routine as an alternative form of dance in this production and I liked the ‘Welcome to Duloc’ performed by the animatronic dolls.

Costumes and wigs were of a particularly high standard in this production and the addition of prosthetics and make up made this a particularly great show to watch. Every fairy tale character looked the part and I liked the characterisation of many of the characters on stage in the ensemble. Well done to Euan Mellings in particular as the Wolf who kept in character and worked the audience well ensuring that the comedy and mannerisms of his character were maintained even when at the back of the stage. 

The cast performed well to the backing tracks and much work had been done by Izzy Culliss to keep everyone in time and in tune.  The sound balance between tracks and singing was well balanced and lighting was good.

Tom Fage as Donkey was great fun and of high energy, we did occasionally loose some of his dialogue due to the speed of its delivery but this did not detract from a great performance. Alex Venezia as Lord Farquaad had the audience laughing from the moment he arrived and his comedy timing landed perfectly. Cassie Preece sang well as Dragon and I am pleased that she was rewarded during the walk down with great applause from the audience. The large Dragon puppet was particularly well handled on stage by the puppeteers.

Charlie Yeomans was great as the title character of Shrek, maintaining his broad Scottish accent throughout and executing the mannerisms of the character well.

Princess Fiona was played by Katie Watkins, who delivered everything that the role needed for this central role (comedy, sincerity and beautiful singing). I do wonder why this show isn’t called ‘Princess Fiona’ rather than ‘Shrek’. A particular highlight of the evening were the three Fiona’s who sang ‘I know it’s today’ which showcased the talent of these young performers.

It looked like everyone on stage was having the best time and lots of fun. Overall another triumph for this talented group and the standing ovation was well deserved.

Shrek the Musical Jr is living proof that musicals can have depth and complexity. The characters are complex and it has many themes including friendship, protest and acceptance. You could say that the show is like an ‘Onion’ with many layers to unwrap.

Thank you Curtain Call for the kind invitation to attend and I very much look forward to seeing how the talents of these performers are developed in future productions.

 

 

 

 

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