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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Shrek The Musical Also see Gil's review of Dear Evan Hansen
Set in a whimsical fairy-tale kingdom, the musical follows the adventures of Shrek, a gruff, green ogre who enjoys a solitary life in his swamp. His peaceful existence is disrupted when a crowd of fairy-tale creatures arrives after being banished from their homes by Lord Farquaad. Determined to reclaim his privacy, Shrek agrees to a bargain with Farquaad: if he rescues the spirited Princess Fiona, whom Farquaad intends to marry, the displaced creatures can return home. Accompanied by his loyal and talkative companion, Donkey, Shrek embarks on a quest to free Fiona from a tower guarded by a fearsome dragon in the hope that freeing the princess will restore order to Shrek's quiet life. The musical features a witty book by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire, who also penned its playful and offbeat lyrics, along with an eclectic score by Jeanine Tesori. However, Shrek basically follows the plot of the animated film, so if you're familiar with the movie there aren't many surprises. And while a few of the musical numbers are excellent, some of its songs are less memorable. Still, this season alone there have been at least four different productions of the musical staged across the Valley, demonstrating the show's enduring appeal and the charming nature of its humorous characters. Director Matthew Wiener has assembled a large and talented cast of young performers who bring the beloved characters from the film to vibrant and hilarious life. As Shrek, Erick Resendiz Jr. delivers a consistently strong Scottish accent, impressive vocals, excellent comic timing, and an abundance of charm. He captures the character's blend of gruffness, humor, and underlying warmth while effectively conveying Shrek's emotional growth as he develops unexpected feelings once he meets Fiona. As Princess Fiona, Lucy Glow is a spirited and charismatic presence, combining sharp comedic instincts with a powerful singing voice. She also showcases her dancing abilities in a delightful second-act tap number. Together, Resendiz Jr. and Glow create a comical chemistry and their nuanced performances allow audiences to fully invest in their characters' journeys and root for them to overcome their differences and the obstacles in their way. Jayvin Sumler delivers a highly entertaining performance as Donkey. His sharp comic timing, expressive facial reactions, and energetic physical movement perfectly capture the character's relentless enthusiasm and nonstop chatter. Shane Sedivy is equally memorable as Lord Farquaad. Performing the role entirely on his knees, he combines a strong singing voice with exaggerated mannerisms and impeccable comedic timing to create a delightfully ridiculous villain. Among the supporting cast, Ra'jihya Givens impresses as Dragon, showcasing her powerful vocals that soar to the rafters and beyond and a commanding stage presence, while Tayson Toledo and Shea Levine bring plenty of humor and eccentric charm to their portrayals of Pinocchio and Gingy. Together, the supporting players and the large ensemble create lovable, comical characters. Also of note is the dragon puppet, which, while it's a rental, is expertly coordinated by Morgan James to create a whimsical creature full of life. Wiener's staging makes good use of the large Herberger stage to ensure the big production numbers pop, the humor shines, and that the emotional moments resonate. Lauran Stanis' choreography is fun and charming and danced well by the large cast. Paul Bridgeman's set design uses several drops to create the fantasy forest and castle settings, and Karol Cooper's costumes are colorful and feature many fun, comical touches. Nathaniel White's lighting design is fantastic and uses shadows and bright pops of color to create many beautiful stage images. The music direction by Tristan Peterson-Steinert ensures the vocals of the cast are rich and warm, and the sound from the 19-piece orchestra is bright. While the book and score of Shrek may have a few shortcomings, it is still a very funny and incredibly charming musical comedy. With a wonderful cast, clear direction, and winning creative elements, Valley Youth Theatre is presenting a wacky and winning production of this lovable, family friendly show. Valley Youth Theatre's Shrek The Musical runs through June 28, 2026, at the Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix AZ. For tickets and information, please call 602-252-8497 or visit www.vyt.com. Director: Matthew Wiener Cast: |
