Shrek was a huge, if not surprising, hit. Hardly anybody knew about the book it was based on, but the film was fresh and funny. Naturally a sequel fast-tracked. That was popular. Not only was another sequel put into production, but a stage production also came into being.
When my 21 year old son walked in the room he asked what I was watching. When he heard I was watching Shrek: The Musical his response was “Do they not send you anything good anymore?” He doesn’t realize this show won the Tony Award for Costume Design and nominated for several others, including 3 acting awards as well as best music, book and even Best Musical. I remember when it originally made its pre-Broadway debut here in Seattle I had a similar reaction. I had the opportunity to see it but passed as I was unsure a stage musical based on the film could be pulled off.
Not only was I wrong, but my son clearly is talking out of his… *ahem*
As with some musicals at times the songs seem to last longer than they should, but overall it retains much of what made the original film such a hit. Perhaps because it was a stage production meant for a larger, and more adult, audience, but there are more “gay” overtones with the characters of Donkey and Lord Farquaad.
Much like the original film made references and jokes about other films, so too does Shrek: The Musical, only here it is other Broadway productions. One particular instance is Princess Fiona’s number than opens up the second act which provided a good laugh on my part.
One thing that did bother me about Shrek: The Musical was the title character’s accent. A voice over introduction as the production starts is clearly Shrek with a Scottish accent, much the way the film portrays the character. Then during the musical itself Shrek’s accent sort of becomes a blend of Scottish and New Yorker. I think because in the film Mike Meyers portrayed the character with a Scottish accent there was the desire to replicate it instead of simply forging a unique path. Brian D.Arcy James does a great job in the title role and when he uses his natural vocal inflections he really shines.
I didn’t realize the musical failed to recoup its original investment. I actually thought it was still running on Broadway when it closed in 2010. Sadly this isn’t really talked much about in the special features. There one featurette that lasts under 10 minutes and it is hosted by Cameron Diaz (Fiona in the original film) lookking at the adaptation of the material to the stage. The only other special feature is the ability to jump directly to as well as karaoke versions. Why this wasn’t done for all the songs is puzzling.
While I do prefer the film, this is a decent adaptation and has its own merits. If you’re a fan of Shrek you’d do well to at least give this a look. The songs may not be the same quality that will get you singing them in your car but they do a good job of moving the story along and providing character development.