***FRIDAY AND SATURDAY PERFORMANCES STILL ON***
***TriCounty Health Department restricts any who are sick from attending***
With four performances down and four to go, the Uintah Theatre production of ‘Shrek the Musical’ is thrilling audiences. My family and I had a fantastic experience on opening night and as I’ve followed posts on social media it looks like the energy and talent displayed that first night has only grown with each performance.
With such a large and diverse cast and support system it is impossible for me to mention everyone (something that truly bothers me!) but I am going to start on a less traditional first note and pay praise to an often unsung and sometimes even forgotten hero of any successful musical, the Music Director. Brian Litton and his team of musicians blow me away every year and this year is no exception. Because I’m a fan of the show and have heard the Broadway soundtrack about a million times, I noticed the moments that careful orchestration decisions were made to support the vocalists, scene, and ensemble. This level of crafting could only be pulled off, in my opinion, by a true musical genius; Yep, that’s you Mr. Litton! Not that my opinion on the matter means much but I want everyone that may not have taken note before to recognize those talented musicians UNDER the stage. In fact, that’s Brian Litton’s head you occasionally see bob above the stage surface from that big hole where he is on keyboard and conductor to the other musicians. When you are spreading your fandom before, during, or after the show, don’t forget to include much deserved praise for that talented group!
Because I had a great group with me at the show I have to share their thoughtful feedback next. I had one son who says I’ve ruined Shrek the Musical for him sooooooo his ticket went to our neighbor and friend, 13-year-old Marcelina. Her feedback is probably of greatest worth because not only had she never seen Shrek the Musical but she had never seen any of the Dreamworks Shrek films! “I liked Shrek the Musical a lot,” shared Marcy following the show. She especially gave high praise for “the design, the special effects, and the detail on the character’s costumes.” What about Marcy’s favorite character? Lord Farquaad, which was no surprise as Devin Reynolds masterfully delivers on the role of the miniature would-be King. Imagine portraying an active role (that includes dancing!) all while on your knees…You have to see it! And Marcy absolutely approved of his vocal performance as well, a sentiment I shared. Awesome job Devin! For Marcelina’s final thoughts she considered those that may be on the fence about going to the show. “I think people should go and see it even if they don’t love Shrek,” she shared. “They should at least try it and I bet they’ll enjoy it because I did!”
My husband Dave’s sentiments about the show were along much the same lines. I asked him to think about the dads and grandpas at home, possibly less enthused about going to a musical, much less one about a stinky Ogre. He wasn’t sure he’s the right one to ask considering theatre is among the things he enjoys but here’s what that awesome guy came up with:
“The mixture of colorful characters, powerful songs, and humorous undertones makes for a light hearted feel good experience that can easily lighten your stressful week. It might surprise even boring old dads how much the songs relate to your life experiences…from the feeling of wanting to be someplace or someone different, finding a cankerous content of where you are at, how unexpected friendships can form through shared experiences, and what ensues during a clash of personalities. I think the big thing is you need to tear down your walls. Let yourself be entertained because you will be and it requires little from you. Don’t pull a Shrek! If you think this isn’t for you and you won’t enjoy it then guess what, you’ll have your own Shrek experience! You’ll go in there with a wall and eventually it’s going to drop as you are entertained and amused so why not go expecting to enjoy it in the first place.”
Now you understand why I’m drawing from others’ brain power for this review. So true Dave! Next time you are in charge of the entire review. The characters Dave offered specific praise to were Gus Scott as Shrek (especially his vocal performance and capturing Shrek’s transformation), Preston Barnette as Donkey (which Dave enjoyed as being more Harry Connick Jr.-esque and less Eddie Murphy-ish, in his words), Carter Pierce as Pinocchio and Sydnie Hanberg as Dragon. Actually, everyone in our group commented individually on Pinocchio and Dragon and it is obvious why. I thought Carter’s Pinocchio was in a league of its own. No sign of opening night jitters, Carter offered an amazing acting and vocal performance from beginning to end. I read an article once that said this Pinocchio role is one of the most difficult to cast because of the strain on the voice…as in many actors can’t sustain in the role night after night. Because I’m a nerd I’ve watched a lot of YouTube videos of Pinocchios performing “Story Of My Life” (most on a professional level) and I could see Carter taking the prize in that role(or any other) on a much bigger stage someday. Such a great job! While her time as Dragon on stage was also brief, Sydnie Hanberg also made a BIG impression. The costume, her attitude, and powerful voice made for a fittingly fiery performance.
Finally, I think it is worth emphasizing that 10-year-old Riley (who is my favorite review partner) thinks everyone should come see the show because it is “really HILLLLLLLARIOUS!” The ‘L’ sound lasted at least 10 seconds. “I’m pretty picky about whether a show is good or not and THAT was a good show from my perspective,” stated Riley. What more is there to say! His favorite characters were Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey and his favorite song was “I Think I Got You Beat.” He gave quite a lot of praise for Kenadi Colton as Fiona and, while there may be a level of crushing going on there, I also add my credence that Kenadi is a talented young actress with endless potential.
Now I want to add some much deserved love for the Ensembles. Fairytale Creatures, Farquaad’s Guards, Dragon’s Knights, Rat Dancers and People of Duloc I loved what each of you brought to this show. I know it can be hard sometimes to be in a role where you might quite literally be unrecognizable (sometimes that’s also the best feeling ever) but know that the show would be boring without you and the fun quirks and moments you add. I can’t name names from these groups because you all deserve a mention but there’s just too darn many to do!
For sensitive attendees it may be worth noting there is some potty humor in the play though it really is kept to a minimum. In fact, due to audience laughter I didn’t even hear Shrek’s one big fart moment! I also noted that Donkey is referred to as an Ass several times, mostly in song, and doubling in meaning to emphasize that Shrek finds Donkey to be a pain in the, well you know. Sitting next to my 7-year-old son I did not find any of the humor or language offensive for whatever that may or may not be worth. I also want to add that in addition to being bold and fun, the costuming was modest and age-appropriate which I personally appreciated.
Congratulations Christopher and Barbera Piner on another amazing production! Every member of the cast, stage crew, production and creative team, costume/makeup team, orchestra, and support system of this show should feel extremely proud. I won’t be one bit surprised when great things happen at the state awards this spring.
Uintah Theatre’s production of ‘Shrek the Musical’ plays on the Uintah High School Main Stage Thursday at 7pm, Friday at 7pm, and Saturday at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are available at www.uintah.net or at the box office before the show.
Photo credit: Uintah School District, Geoff Liesik
