A Filipino take on the Ogre's story: Here's what to expect from 'Shrek The Musical'
The swamp is coming to life! Shrek The Musical is set to hit the Philippine stage with a production that promises laughter, heart, and a few unexpected life lessons.
The musical will feature an all-Pinoy cast, including Encantadia actor Jamie Wilson as Shrek, Krystal Kane as Princess Fiona, Topper Fabregas as Donkey, Alfredo Reyes as Lord Farquaad, and Julia Serad as Dragon.
But of course, your favorite fairytale creatures like Gingy, Pinocchio, and the Big Bad Wolf are not to be missed.
Joining them is a vibrant ensemble of fairytale creatures from Gingy to Pinocchio to the Big Bad Wolf.
"Bringing the Broadway production to life by an all-Filipino cast and creative team, it is a world-class spectacle with a distinctly Filipino heart," Newport World Resorts' Chief Hospitality Officer John Lucas said to the media during the press conference held on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
The 2001 animated fantasy comedy Shrek, directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, introduces an unfriendly ogre named Shrek (Mike Myers) who finds his home overrun by fairytale characters, all of whom were banished by the ruthless Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow).
With his companion, Donkey (Eddie Murphy), Shrek makes a deal with Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz). In return, he will get his swamp back from the exiled creatures.
More than just a re-telling of the movie, the musical expands on the characters' backstories with a vibrant score and a heartfelt message.
Here's a look at what the audience can expect.
A theme park-like production
Headed by director Dexter M. Santos, Shrek The Musical features book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori. The hit musical was originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions.
For Santos, the vision is to build a stage that would mimic a theme park. "Theme park po kasi talaga ang gusto ko, na may musical and dragon chasing from one bridge to another," he shared during the presscon. “Hindi ako nangangako ha, pero pangarap pa lang po siya."
Although the dream production is still in progress, the current show is still packed with spectacle that a younger audience will appreciate.
"I'm most excited that this musical is for the kids," the director said. "The whole idea is for them to see each character one by one. I really wanted to do this for my kids as well."
@philstarlife Experience a magical fun at ‘Shrek The Musical’ at the Newport Performing Arts Theater beginning on October 31! 💚 #Shrek #ShrekTheMusical #newport #philstarlife #entertainmentnewsph ♬ original sound - philstarlife
Themes that resonate with Filipinos
Beyond the comedy and songs, Shrek the Musical carries deeper messages about identity and belonging.
"Yung bawat fairytale creature sa Shrek, gusto lang nila is to belong," Marvin Ong, one of the actors, explained.
"Sa Pilipinas, ang daming tao na ostracized—whether it's because of their appearance, sexuality, social status, right? Without being preachy, we're going back to the truth: everybody just really wants to belong," he added, hoping that the production will also serve as an example of unity.
“Sa isang bayan na watak-watak, sana maging inspirasyon kami na kayang magtrabaho ng more than 40 people to create a meaningful show. Sana maging halimbawa kami na kayang mag-work together lahat ng Pilipino, na we want something good for our nation.”
Ultimately, Kane, who plays Fiona, hopes the musical helps people "realize that they are not alone, and that everyone has their own problems and obstacles, but ultimately we can go through the same thing."
Meanwhile, Shrek and Donkey's friendship is a cornerstone of the show, and actors Wilson and Fabregas bring a genuine friendship to their roles.
Speaking to PhilSTAR L!fe, Wilson said that his and Fabregas' real-life friendship will help in mirroring their respective characters.
"Our real friendship in real life can help the dynamics between Shrek and Donkey because we are already like that. It's gonna be fresh for this entire run of show. The way we attack our role, it doesn't necessarily change, but we learned to grow from it, and we're so comfortable with each other," Wilson told L!fe.
Because the actors are so comfortable with each other, they believe their performances will feel fresh throughout the show's run.
"The pairing is much the classic comic duo. It's always the yin-yang. I am going to make sure that the friendship is genuine and true cause I really think Donkey is very loyal to all. He really loves Shrek, and I honestly think that he can do everything for Shrek and die for Shrek if he needed to," Fabregas said.
A family treat
Meanwhile, for artistic director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, choosing Shrek was a strategic decision to bring the Broadway feel to the country.
"We decided to bring back a musical that's good for families, and Shrek is the obvious choice. We want to broaden our markets, get everybody into the theater, and make sure everyone enjoys it," she said.
"It will be done in a humongous theater. If you look at previous productions, one half of the stage is already massive—it's challenging but exciting. Of course, we'll have all the characters from the animation, the songs we love, and the costumes that bring them to life," Santos added.
Audiences can watch Shrek The Musical starting Oct. 31 until December at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Tickets are available at Ticketworld, Newport World Resorts Box Office, and Helixpay with prices ranging from P4,500 (SVIP), P4,000 (VIP), P3,000 (Gold), P2,000 (Silver), and P1,500 (Bronze).
