By Paul McNiven
Shrek the Musical, currently being put on by American Fork Community Theater (AFCT) at The Valentine Theater is a familiar yet refreshing rendition of a fun fairytale. Based on the adored DreamWorks film, Shrek The Musical was written by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori and originally ran in Seattle. The show thereafter went on to a Broadway run of over a year and many subsequent productions all over the world. This story’s messages of acceptance, inclusivity, and non-conformity resound throughout the show and are quite tangible in AFCT’s production.
Adam Keele portrays the titular role of Shrek, appearing in the very first number to narrate the unenviable beginnings from which every ogre in the realm comes. Keele takes us through Shrek’s emotional journey of an exasperated recluse to awkward companion to triumphant fairy-tale hero without missing a beat. Especially memorable were the sweeter, more vulnerable performances of “Who I’d Be” and “When Words Fail” in which Keele reveals some of Shrek’s more intimate layers.
The lovably obnoxious Donkey is played by Sam Bradford, who vitalizes the character and impresses the audience with his constant acrobatic movement and unending energy. As the best friend, sidekick, and trusty steed to Shrek, Bradford has many roles to fill within the narrative, and does so with fetching gusto. Entering the scene early with “Don’t Let Me Go”, Bradford lends his powerful tenor vocals to nearly every subsequent number in the show, including the lilting harmonies of “Travel Song” and the comical “Make a Move”. Despite the comically large nature of Donkey’s character, Bradford connects to the real-life aspects of the role such as forgiveness and friendship that make Donkey so relatable and likable.
Princess Fiona, the tower-imprisoned maiden, is brought to life by Amber Lee Roberts, who grabs the audience’s attention with her first appearance in “I Know It’s Today”, a powerful trio sung by Fiona and her two younger selves (Eloise Derr and Nikki Merrell). Roberts continues to capture the audience with Fiona’s wistfulness, hilarious social awkwardness, and undeniable spunk. Her solid vocals allow Roberts to characterize Fiona rather skillfully every time she sings. Roberts’ Fiona is a pleasant and entertaining take on the unconventional princess.
Dragon is one irrefutably awesome part of this production. With fabulous vocals from Lindsay McLerran and a wonderfully designed costume (costumes by Emma Ottenson), Dragon takes the cake for coolness. McLerran’s adept riffing and strong voice make the beast imposing despite the disregard for the hugely grandiose dragon piece commonly used for this show.
Drew Cannon plays the iconic villain, Lord Farquaad, whose bitterness and significant Napoleon complex drive him to expunge from his province all fairy-tale creatures and anyone else who does not “measure up” to his standards of conformity. Cannon manages to characterize the ego and childishness of the lordling and provide an entertaining performance in each of Farquaad’s amusingly infantile musical numbers.
The production team of Director Adam Cannon (, Music Director Merliee Hunter , Choreographer Dallin Bradford , Producer Mindy Eckroth , Set designers Ricky Parkinson and Curt Stowell, and Sound and Lighting Lukas Orton and Stetson Seitz deserve congratulation in having created a tasteful and pleasant show while cohering the ensemble and leading cast with the technical aspects manageably. The ensemble provides an ever-moving, colorful backdrop for the story, with standouts such as Rachel Aylworth as Gingy and Melissa Van Dam as The Pied Piper and Mad Hatter. Also present in this production are plentiful easter eggs and added jokes that are sure to amuse local audiences.
To me, however, the most notable part of this show was how thoroughly the themes of the story have been applied throughout the production process, from casting to performance. The cast and crew have embodied the principles of inclusion and acceptance, and it is visible onstage. The diverse cast includes people from all walks of life- children, more elderly folk, those with disabilities, and others. I imagine the large, diverse cast could cause some hitches in rehearsal, but AFCT has nevertheless put together a charming show despite those hitches. It’s obvious to the audience member that those involved with this production take theater beyond having a fun summer hobby and truly want to tell a good story and live the lessons taught therein. I think that is what lies at the heart of community theater- people engaging with each other and their neighbors to spread positive messages. American Fork Community Theater has done that with Shrek The Musical, and has delighted and touched audiences in so doing.
American Fork Community Theater Presents Shrek The Musical by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori
The Valentine Theater, 839 E 9th N, American Fork, UT 84003
August 9-11,13, 15-18, 2018, 7:00 PM
Tickets: $8-10
American Fork Community Theater Facebook Page
Shrek The Musical Facebook Event
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