Spanish Fork Community Theater brings Shrek the Musical to the Spanish Fork High School auditorium to offer a heartwarming, hilarious, and high-energy performance that celebrates the weirdos in all of us and reminds us that the things that make us special are the things that make us strong.
From the start, the atmosphere is inviting, with a fun photo station while waiting to enter. Once seated, the audience was vocal and engaged, saying “Aw” as soon as little Shrek appears onstage. There are laughs, gasps, and heartfelt moments throughout the large auditorium as our actors deliver powerful performances that exceed expectations.
Our Shrek, played by Davey Burton, brings surprising depth to the light-hearted experience. Shrek’s burden of being surrounded by a world that won’t accept him for who he really is hits hard due to Burton’s raw vulnerability. I caught myself tearing up in the middle of a hilarious play because I’ve felt that same isolation in my own life. I’ve been the one who wants to be a hero, but I’m held back by my insecurities. Connecting to a character’s emotions so strongly brought an extra layer to the production. In contrast to his emotional performance, he also brings a sense of joy as he begins loosening up and letting himself fall for the beautiful Fiona. I especially appreciated the moment Shrek charges down the aisle and belly flops onto the stage to crash the wedding. That dedication is comedy gold.
Aubrey Hiatt as Princess Fiona is 110% fire. I don’t even know where to start. Her banter with Shrek is enjoyable and authentic, drawing us into the abnormal fairy tale. She lights up the stage with powerhouse vocals and explosive personality. Her bossiness is lovable, and her dramatic princess poses are laugh-out-loud funny. She is a wonderful example for little girls who want to fit the “princess mold” but don’t always have the grace of a fair damsel in distress. As she discovers herself, she effectively makes the audience feel comfortable with imperfections. From singing through dance-heavy numbers to belting in a growling voice that stays perfectly in pitch, Hiatt’s performance dominates the show.
Parker Brust as Donkey brings overpowering energy, delivering spot-on facial expressions, even under full face makeup. His hilarious reactions during Dragon’s flirtation are perfectly contrasted by a tender, serious shift during Shrek’s heartfelt “hero” moment. I also have to point out that Brust’s accent is spot on. I swear he could have voiced the character from the original Shrek movies. His portrayal of a loyal friend helps shape Shrek’s emotional arc by sticking with him, even at his worst. It is clear that Brust is a man of many talents, as his breakdancing moves and humorous musical numbers liven up the entire audience. I loved the chemistry between Shrek and Donkey. They play so well off of each other. I feel like we all need a friend like Donkey who brings out the best in us, even when we make the wrong choices.
John Wilson as Lord Farquaad is clearly no “small” performer. He lifts this production to new heights from the very moment he graces the stage with his snooty attitude and commanding presence. He draws big laughs as he prances around the stage with the confidence of a frog who’s convinced himself he’s already a prince, and I mean that in the best way possible. I have to point out the subtle impostor syndrome he brings to the role. Even in his most arrogant moments, there’s an undercurrent of desperation and anxiety in his over-the-top attitude. It adds a layer of authenticity that fits perfectly with the show’s theme of “weirdos trying to find their place.” In the end, he’s just searching for acceptance, but going about it all the wrong ways.
The beautiful and charismatic Camille Murphy absolutely steals the show with her standout voice as the dragon. Her powerful belt and stage presence left me gasping, “Holy Cow!” or better yet, “Holy Donkey!” Her presence onstage is magical. Murphy’s moment is undeniably a perfect excuse to get out of the house.
There are so many outstanding side characters in this production, I was fairly breathless. I just wanted to spend hours pointing out every single soloist and every fairytale creature that makes this show really pop, such as Spencer Baird as Pinocchio, whose falsetto puppet voice is maintained perfectly throughout his entire performance, even when singing, and Gingy by Ali Wilson, who can hit amazing runs on the musical scale. Together, they effectively give enduring oddballs a place to rally the crowds and make a difference in this world.
Lucy Llewellyn (young Fiona), and Lizzie Scanlon (teen Fiona), nail the introduction to the not-so-typical fairytale story. They match the same energy that Hiatt offers us, creating a realistic illusion of growing up slowly, waiting for something magical to happen.
The entire fairy tale ensemble, the Duloc dancers, tap dancing mice, skeletons, knights/guards, young Shrek, the wedding officiator, Shrek’s parents, along with the youth performers, who keep up every step of the way, all deserve high praise and recognition. I am stuck because I want to put everyone’s name in this review. After all, they all show such diverse personalities and bring so much joy to the audience throughout the experience.
I have to give a huge standing ovation to the director, Avery Dall-Hilton. I love the idea of bringing the community together through theater, and she went all out with a huge cast of all ages. I am impressed with the director’s ability to navigate that many bodies around on the stage without losing the action or the individuality of each character. She makes sure that everyone gets a chance to shine and effectively gets the message across that there is a place for all of us.
The production staff goes all out to deliver a spectacle of visuals and sounds that submerge the audience in a realm of make-believe. Molly Miller’s extensive choreography does it all: upside-down skeletons, acrobatic moments, a hilarious slow-motion rescue fight, a Duloc dancers’ kickline, and let’s not forget the elaborate tap dance number, which is a rare treat for community theater. The clever use of Farquaad being “lifted” into the air is a hilarious and well-executed touch to the already enchanting action.
Costumes by Stephanie Orullian are full of creativity, especially when it comes to the fairytale characters. I loved scanning the ensemble, trying to figure out which character each actor represents. It’s like a visual scavenger hunt that adds another layer of fun to the show. The costumes partner pleasantly with the hair and makeup team, led by Hannah Anderson, giving a zany touch to the production. From Lord Farquaad’s bright red checks to Shrek’s full green face, the art effectively transports the audience into a new realm.
Music Director Oscar Safsten brings strong leadership to the show’s musical elements, guiding vocal performances that feel polished, expressive, and full of heart. The harmonies land beautifully, and the pacing between musical numbers flows naturally. The sound design by Brock Larson is equally impressive as he and his team balanced the mics across a large cast, highlighting solos with clarity, and adding depth to the production’s big ensemble moments without ever overwhelming the vocals. Together, Safsten and Larson help elevate the emotional impact of the show through professional musical storytelling.
The sets by Lawson Bendall and props by Emily Trejo bring the Shrek universe to life with bright detail and carefully crafted pieces of art. During the princess rescue mission, they pull out all the stops with a show-stealing centerpiece—a massive dragon puppet with glowing eyes that shift color based on mood. And is there any better way to introduce such an intense prop than with fireworks? Wait…fireworks? Yes, that’s right. Fireworks! Cami Jensen’s projection design makes Dragon’s entrance an absolute spectacle.
A special applause goes out to effects designer Zach Lambson and lighting designers Gavin Lee and Ollie Combs. Thanks to them, the stage is lit up with eye-popping moments that make every visual element come together to create one magical universe. There are flashing lights, black lights, spot lights, you name it. This show has it all
Shrek the Musical is the perfect night out. It’s the type of show where the whole family wakes up talking about the first thing in the morning because there is so much to take in that it has to carry over, bringing joyful memories of the experience.
While this is a family-friendly production, keep in mind that there are a few crude jokes and soft adult language. That being said, my eleven-year-old son nearly toppled out of his chair during the burp/fart contest between Shrek and Fiona. He didn’t see that one coming.
Spanish Fork Community Theater’s Shrek the Musical welcomes all the weirdos. We all belong with the people who take the time to know our hearts. As someone with a mental disability, I have felt that deep loneliness that comes from the world only seeing socially unacceptable behaviors instead of seeing my heart. Watching Shrek reminds me that I can still be a hero for those who take the time to get past the ugly. I love the message that there can be a hero in everyone; we just need to figure out where we fit in and how we can make a difference where we stand.
Let your freak flag fly, and don’t miss your chance to see this magical, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional production of Shrek the Musical.
Spanish Fork Community Theater presents Shrek the Musical by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori.
Spanish Fork High School Auditorium, 99 North 300 West, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
July 17-18, 21, 25 7:00 PM; July 19, 24, 26 2:00 PM
Tickets: SFCityTix.com.
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Shrek the Musical reel 1
Shrek the Musical reel 2
Photos by Joe Seiley
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