Theater Review: Shrek The Musical
By Melody Udell in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 2, 2013 8:40PM
Chicago Shakespeare Theater's production of Shrek entertains the kiddos and their parents on Navy Pier.
With the bard well-represented in the local parks, Chicago Shakespeare Theater is free to produce a summery, kid-friendly concoction that appeals to tourists and locals alike. At least, that’s the idea behind the staging of Shrek the Musical, this summer’s light-hearted, gag-filled musical based on the 2001 animated DreamWorks movie.
Luckily for Chicago audiences, director Rachel Rockwell has pared down the show significantly, cutting it down to a mere 80 minutes without an intermission. (Audiences that sat through the semi-recent Broadway production endured two-and-a-half hours of tap-dancing ogres and fart jokes.) But whether that decision was based on the attention span of the numerous kiddos in the audience or because the show needed to tighten up a bit doesn’t matter — Rockwell’s choice to shorten the musical was a good one.
The story is familiar, although enhanced with Jeanine Tesori’s upbeat tunes and David Lindsay-Abaire’s book, which doesn’t stray too far from the movie. Shrek (Michael Aaron Lindner) and his not-so-welcome new friend, Donkey (James Earl Jones II) set off to rescue a damsel-in-distress for Lord Farquaad (Travis Taylor). Shrek just wants to earn back the deed to his swamp, which has been overrun with fairy tale creatures who’ve been kicked out of their homes. Lord Farquaad, on the other hand, wants to marry a princess — any will do — so he can become king. But once Shrek rescues the feisty Princess Fiona (Summer Naomi Smart), it becomes your not-so-average ogre-meets-girl story, aided by the fairy tale squatters and a ferocious but lonely dragon (Alexis J. Rogers).
A powerful belter with spot-on comedic chops, Smart is — forgive the cliché — a true triple threat. She brings a genuineness and spunky sense of humor to Fiona, and it’s clear why she’s such a good match for the wounded Shrek, who Michael Aaron Lindner plays with a gruff lovability. Donkey and the diminutive Lord Farquaad make the most of their shtick, and the show even manages to make fun of itself and other popular musicals. In fact, it’s those tongue-in-cheek moments when Shrek truly succeeds — a few sly winks to the under-represented adult portion of the audience.
Not surprisingly, the show ends on a wider theme of acceptance, with ogres and displaced fairy tale creatures embracing their differences. Arguably the most uplifting song in the show, “Let Your Freak Flag Fly” is almost Hairspray-esque and leaves the audience feeling a bit warm and fuzzy (which, after all the bathroom humor, is much appreciated).
Shrek may not be the most daring show of the summer — unlike CST’s much more exciting upcoming line-up — but with a knockout cast and easy laughs, we’re reminded that sometimes all we need is some simple joy.
The show runs through Sunday, Sept. 1 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Avenue, 312-595-5600 or online.