Shrek, one of my favourite characters in the world of animation, was brought to life at the Conexus theatre in Regina last evening. A cast of local young actors filled the stage with life, energy, music and dancing. Fairy tale characters from Cinderella to The Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio and The Three Blind Mice, and so many more danced in and out of the story being played out in front of us.
The audience was filled with children of all ages - toddlers to those of us white hair, all of us clapping and singing along with the songs. Local musicians provided the live music that carried the story of Shrek, the big, green, ugly, scary ogre that had been challenged to find the Princess Fiona for Lord Farquaad. If Shrek wanted every single fairy tale character removed from his swamp, that was the job. Dragon fighting was part of the challenge if he was to save Fiona.
The set was back dropped by changing scenery from Shrek’s swamp to Lord Farquaad’s castle and a field of sunflowers in between. Two structures, with a balcony atop, set the stage for castle, dungeon or a bridge depending on the scene.
Were there flaws in this production? I certainly have a bad habit of watching for what could or should have been different, but that was the premise of this play, that differences are always with us. I just know I had fun - not only the play but loved the 7 year old beside me who clapped and danced for the 2.5 hours of this production. There was a 15 minute break and popcorn to ease the length demanded. I’m afraid the toddler did not manage, and fell asleep in her grandma’s arms.
“After a while you learn to ignore the names
people call you and just trust who you are.”
~ Shrek
Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Based on: the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture
and the book by William Steig
All authorized performance materials are also supplied y MTI. www.mtishows.com
Conexus arts centre: conexusartscentre.ca
**haze, loud noises and flashing lights may be part of this experience
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