Shrek the Musical Jr

This fantasy comedy has memorable characters, a fairytale storyline, a transformation, and catchy songs, as well as phrases that have become iconic.  It offers spectacle, and roles for large numbers of young people, so filling the needs of society members.  Many of the songs have been cut from the full musical, and the original well-known and loved story is greatly abbreviated for juniors, but the key points are retained in a recognisable format. The programme told us that 49 CD Kids took to the stage for this show, in what was a joyful presentation.  

Good use was made of the DL forestage to build a sturdy Shrek’s hut with a signpost that was clear to read on both sides as he turned it around.  Not used a lot, it nevertheless set the scene, and, as a vital component, was kept out of the way, leaving the main stage free to accommodate the cast.  A complex elevated construction filled the DR apron, reached by a decorative staircase.  This mini-garret with benchseat, curtained window and a fireplace was dressed in fine attention to detail, with books, flowers and Fiona’s doll.   Woodland cloths, delicately painted, provided the backing for many of the ‘locations’ of the tale and were supplemented by occasional use of flats.  Always swiftly and discreetly installed, there was little delay in the action as the extras were added.  The design of all the elements hung together in a way that showed an excellent vision and understanding of the needs of this fast-moving story.  The visual treat was boosted by the closely coordinated design of the lighting plot, which was prompt in its blackouts to facilitate the set changes and efficient in supporting the atmosphere throughout.   Clouds of haze changed colour to enhance character and shafts of downlighting added drama to solos, while areas of action were given prominence by precisely focused lamps guiding our attention.  A clever effect allowed Fiona to be seen through the gauze walls of the thatched hut, and the use of a star cloth brought magic to the evening scene.  Being able to rehearse with the tracks from the start gives the youngsters great confidence to sing with assured timing.  The lead characters all had tuneful voices, with the three Princess Fionas particularly pleasing on the ear in I Know It’s Today.  

The costumes were, as always with CD Kids, quite spectacular!  Such a huge collection to dress 49 youngsters, many of whom needed more than one outfit, must have taken time and trouble to create.  The pretty floral dresses and straw hats of the Storytellers were a stark contrast to the Ogre family’s oddness (Papa’s ears on top of his cap were funny) and led us into fantasy-land smoothly. Shrek’s head fitted well down into his neckline, though the make-up was not quite a good colour match, but his helmet, lopsided to accommodate his ears, was comical touch.   Donkey, in his fur bodysuit, had picturesquely applied face paint.  The array of fairytale creatures was properly fantastic, beautifully created with half-masks and noses, and instantly identifiable, as were the later Woodland Creatures.  The Dragon was simply gorgeous with an amazing mask and floaty light-up ‘wings’, and the body formed by others behind her was a clever way of implying the size of the frightening creature.  Lord Farquaad, with his tiny legs, looked hilarious and ridiculously lordly in whichever of his grand outfits he wore, and the beautiful Princess grew before our eyes in a green dress of crushed velvet that had subtle differences at each of her ages.  All the costumes fitted well and allowed unhampered movement, which is so important - anything else distracts both the performers and the audience, so your Costume Team did a first-class job in amassing the colourful and very impressive assortment, which lent so much to the high standard of the show.  

What a task to direct so many keen young performers!  Casting in the leads was strong, so there was a firm base, and the production team all gave sterling support with set, costumes, props and the technical side, and everyone can justifiably feel very proud of the outcome.  The use of the stage and the floor at each side of the hall was well-considered to accommodate the numbers, and the choreography was kept simple to be within the capabilities of a mixed group.  Drawing characterisations out of a cast of any age is often overlooked in musicals that demand so much time to be spent on the singing and dancing, so it was gratifying to note in his brief appearance the devising of a witty personality by the Bishop, and the huge enjoyment of Lord Farquaad in his ‘baddie’ role, playing to and with the audience in glances and asides.  Shrek was a reliable Ogre.  His singing voice had a pleasant tone and he maintained a good pace in his dialogue delivery of the grumpy swamp dweller.  A miniscule Donkey told us herself she would be “big in performance”, so we weren’t surprised by the portrayal of Shrek’s irritating wannabe-friend.  As well as the support they offered in four different Ensembles, many of the cast had lines to say in the flashback of Shrek’s story or as Fairytale characters, Knights or Guards.  They held their concentration to be in the right place at the right time, and there were no discernible malfunctions of costume as they changed from one into another.  

I congratulate CD Kids on this Silver Anniversary production; a show that brought a great deal of enjoyment not only to the Kids themselves, but also to the audiences through the week.  The response I witnessed was, I am sure, shared on other nights, indicating that the group has a secure future.

Thank you for inviting NODA, and for asking for this report. 

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