Category
What's the Story of Shrek the Musical?Set in a mythical “once upon a time” sort of land, Shrek the Musical is the story of a hulking green ogre who, after being mocked and feared his entire life by anything that crosses his path, retreats to an ugly green swamp to exist in happy isolation. Suddenly, a gang of homeless fairy-tale characters (Pinocchio, Cinderella, the Three Pigs, you name it) raid his sanctuary, saying they’ve been evicted by the vertically-challenged Lord Farquaad. So Shrek strikes a deal: I’ll get your homes back if you give me my home back! But when Shrek and Farquaad meet, the Lord strikes a deal of his own: He’ll give the fairy-tale characters their homes back if Shrek rescues Princess Fiona. Shrek obliges, yet finds something appealing–something strange and different–and this pretty princess He likes her. A lot. But why does she always run off when the sun sets?
What Is Shrek the Musical Like?Based on the contemporary fairy tale book and the animated it inspired, Shrek the Musical uses an all-new score to expand on the movie’s original story. (You get to know Shrek as a kid, for instance.) As elaborate and expensive as Broadway musicals come, there’s a lot for the eyes and ears to ogle over: spectacular sets, innovative scene changes, puppets of all sizes, plus a very large and energetic cast. Like the movie, there’s pop-culture references galore and plenty of laughs, many that involve bodily noises. That might be a turn-off for some, but there’s also a good moral and traditional happy ending.
Is Shrek the Musical Good for Kids?Kids will love everything about Shrek the Musical. The songs are catchy. The production delivers many a cool sight and sound. And with so many familiar-looking characters running around onstage, this is easily one of the most attention-grabbing productions on Broadway right now. And obviously they’ll get some giggles from the potty humor. Put it this way: If you think the movie’s okay for your kids, this will be, too. But if you’re not ready to introduce them to PG-rated wisecracks, maybe you should hold off.