By Jennifer Mustoe
Regalo Theater Company‘s first production is Shrek the Musical and my companions and I found nothing but wonderfulness abounding. I couldn’t site a misstep or mistake. Let me tell you more about this. But if you are skimming this review, just read this bit: Go. Don’t delay. Shrek the Musical is fantastical and beautiful and funny and amazing. There, I said it. I know, I’m gushing. It’s really that good.
Regalo Theater Company is new on the scene and two of its founders Colleen Carrasco and husband Michael Carrasco as Shrek‘s directors are off to an amazing start. These two have amassed some of the finest singers (Musical Director Chip Brown), dancers (Choreographer Jessica Adams), set designer (M. Carrasco), costumer (Amy Handy), lighting designer (Liz Griffiths) sound designers (Kendall Bowman and Caleb Wallengren), hair and makeup (Hannah Anderson and Red Helena). I’ve seen a lot of community theater productions and been in a quite a few, and RTC’s Shrek is by far the pinnacle. Fifty-four more production crew have had their hands in (and no doubt their hearts, time, and energy) to create Shrek the Musical.
Benjamin Oldroyd as the green-skinned, stinky ogre Shrek is wonderful in every way. His Scottish accent (first created by Mike Myers in the movie versions of the story) with instruction by dialect coach John Newell is clear and quirky. From the top of his bald green head to his kooky ears and dumpy clothes, Oldroyd is Shrek, with one of the finest voices I’ve heard, and that’s saying a lot. He encompasses Shrek’s initial scariness and uninterested view of the strife going on around him. Soon, Shrek becomes a sympathetic character and finally love interest. Love interest, an ogre? Yes, Oldroyd is all of those, and hilarious to boot.
His sidekick, Donkey, donned in a furry grey pajamas onesie (I loved the hooves especially) and slathered with gray make-up is played by Tayvin Bayless, and he is a hoot. Great voice, lots of spunk, immensely believable as Shrek’s often annoying but good-hearted BFF. The duets these two sing are spot on.
Love interest Fiona has three actors. Young Fiona, played by the highly professional sounding Cora Duncan, introduces us to the princess’s sad plight, she’s stuck in a tower, seemingly never to get out. Teen Fiona (Ellie England–who also plays Alice) continues the sad tale in her strong, sweet voice. Sydney Henderson as grownup Fiona is as stunning as they come. Her singing is top notch, her acting as the sassy princess with a secret beguiles us, and her dancing is easy to enjoy. Their trio in “I Know It’s Today” brings out the vocals of all these actresses. The scenes between Oldroyd and Henderson are charming and sassy, a well-matched pair. If one can believe that ogres have love lives, “I’m a Believer”.
Steve Poulson‘s Lord Farquaad got the most laughs, a hundred-percent. I will not say anything about his costume and talent wearing it or his development in creating this character. I’m no spoiler. But portraying Lord Farquaad is no small feat. Pinocchio, played by the talented Justin Hendricks, is charmingly mouthy and funny. His falsetto sells this character.
The ensemble cast is fantastic and as is often in a large musical, play a variety of roles. Dancing is great, the vocals are fantastic (really, no clinker notes and clear, strong voices thoughout), and the darling cast of fairy tale characters is interesting and fun. I kept saying to my companions, “Look! There is ABC and XYS” except I’m not telling you who they are. Go to the show and see for yourself. The dragon, constructed by M. Carrasco and Crystal Pyne, is a spectacle–RTC’s Shrek is worth seeing just for this alone. We were bedazzled. And the dragon, played Andrea Chapman, gives a fiery, superior performance in acting, singing, and movement.
I could write more about Regalo Theater Company’s premiere of Shrek the Musical, but please, go see it for yourself. The beautiful theater at Skyridge High School is clean and professional. Sit in the seats in front of center stage of the theater to get the best experience. Though it is family friendly, those who are familiar with the movies will be the most enthusiastic attendees. However, the audience was obviously entertained if all the hoots and hollers and clapping are any indication.
Regalo Theater Company presents Shrek the Musical, music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. It is based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film Shrek, along with elements of its sequels: Shrek 2, Shrek Forever After and William Steig‘s 1990 book Shrek!.
Skyridge High School Auditorium, 3000 N Center St., Lehi, UT 84043
July 19, 21-23, 25, 2022 7:30 PM (doors open 7:00 PM), Matinee 23, 25, 2022 2:00 PM (Doors open at 1:30 PM)
Tickets: at door–Adults $12, Children (3-12) and Seniors $10. Online–Adults $10, Children and Seniors $8.
Contact: info@regalotheater.com
Regalo Theater Company Facebook Page
Video Promo edited by edited by Kenna Carrasco
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