Seattle “Shrek”: A Ring-side Report
LemonWade’s Spy in Seattle — otherwise known as Starla Smith — went to the premiere last night of the new musical, “Shrek,” and here’s her witty report. “As ‘Shrek’ the musical leaps from swamp to stage, the land of far, far away seems just out of range. The show is fun, but needs more work before reaching Broadway later this year. As expected, the official opening night of world premiere tryout at Seattle ’s 5th Avenue Theatre played to a sold-out and enthusiastic audience, many decked out in ‘Shrek’ headbands. Although the musical version follows the movie plotline more than you might expect, there are fresh twists and insights.The slimy swamp-green sets are sliding cartoon cutouts of trees and streamer-evoked foliage, while the conductor’s head rises out of a hole surrounded by snake-like roots.
“Directed by Jason Moore, Act One fares better than Act Two, which drags a bit. But the crowd favorite–and the best thing about the production–is the hilarious Christopher Sieber, who gives a star turn on his knees. Bound to earn a Tony nod, he’s fantastic and funny as the villainous, barrel-chested squirt, Lord Farquaad. Sutton Foster runs a close second as Princess Fiona, a real bossy-pants with a voice of gold. As Shrek, Brian D’arcy James gives a good performance, but too often his green giant plays straight ogre for the other characters’ antics, plus most of Shrek’s songs are mediocre.
“The fairy-tale folks are lively and colorfully costumed. The three pigs are jolly and fat–not a trace of lipstick to be seen. The Pied Piper joins Fiona and a dozen or so rodents, courtesy of mouse slippers, for a rousing tap number. And the dragon’s done up in hot pink, her tail made up of eight feathered, singing dragonettes in pointed Madonna bras. As Shrek’s wisecracking Donkey sidekick, Chester Gregory has a fine singing voice; however, Eddie Murphy is a hard ass to follow.
“Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire’s score touts a mix of musical styles. Despite clever lyrics, some tunes fall flat. And speaking of flat, there’s flat-ulence galore, but thankfully, no aromatherapy. As for celebs and celebrations, Jeffrey Katzenberg showed up for DreamWorks, the company behind the movie and the musical, and the festive opening night bash took place 500 feet above the city at Seattle ’s famous Space Needle.”
Addendum: Here’s the Variety review of “Shrek.”
