A son is sent packing by his parents with the upbeat promise that there’s a “Big Bright Beautiful World” out there. The coda of Mama and Papa Ogre’s soaring tune to their 7-year-old: “But not for you.”
No, it isn’t easy being green if you’re a guy named Shrek. But the Boulder’s Dinner Theatre production of “Shrek The Musical” makes that ogre’s saga a crude, wise and optimistic delight.
Based on the DreamWorks 2001 hit movie and author William Steig’s 1990 children’s book “Shrek!” this song-and-dance version landed the ogre, pal Donkey and beloved Princess Fiona on Broadway in 2008.
Director Matthew Peters brings the whole fractured, re-constructed fairy tale to vivid life with the aid of a big-voiced cast as well as the Boulder outfit’s expert designers.
Boulder’s Dinner mainstay Seth Caikowski gives one of his most unfettered performances as the hero of the title. He may be encased in special-effects creator Todd Debreceni’s handiwork but he’s far from trapped as he and Donkey embark on this updated journey of self-discovery — not just for Shrek but also a number of fairy-tale “freaks.”
I’d gone hoping to see Norrell Moore as Fiona; the actress has a earthy presence and a compelling singing voice. Instead, understudy Rebekah Ortiz stepped in with infectious, gleeful humor, buoyed by a lovely soprano.
The original movie was in many ways DreamWorks’ gauntlet toss. Years before the house that Snow White and Walt Disney built began tweaking its princess message with movies like “The Princess and the Frog,” “Brave,” “Frozen” or even “Maleficent,” DreamWorks had already taken a velvety sledgehammer to the fairy tale. Fiona continues to rule.
As Lord Farquaad, Scott Severtson’s vast tenor adds yet another layer of irony to the pipsqueak pretender to the Duloc’s throne.
Eddie Murphy’s voice turn as the big-screen Donkey remains priceless. Yet, Tyrell Rae finds a way to freshen Shrek’s best furry friend. If Donkey had fingers, he’d surely be snapping them to punctuate his tart observations. Instead he lets his forehoofs do the job.
With music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, this adaptation underscores a difference between screen and stage. The naughty can feel a little more risque in person.
For all its barbed gags about Hollywood, the movie franchise hewed to its PG rating. Though young children at a Sunday matinee were smitten, this musical hits a few more PG-13 notes. Donkey’s presence encourages rampant punning on the word “ass.” Flatulence fights for marquee status. More than one character brings the queen’s diction to bear on his lines — and we don’t mean royalty.
The show also delivers some truly fleet scenes of stagecraft. In Fiona’s winning opener, “I Know It’s Today,” three actresses take turns in the tower to capture the many seasons the ever-hopeful Fiona awaits her prince.
And Puppet-maestro Cory Gilstrap’s Dragon (voiced by Amanda Earls) is a gorgeous, ambling beast of varied pinks and mesmerizing yellow eyes.
The ensemble is spirited and precise in Farquaad’s “What’s Up Duloc?” and again when Fiona sings the amusing “Morning Person,” backed up by tapping rats clad in costume designer Linda Morken’s handsome gray tuxes.
Lisa Kennedy: 303-954-1567, lkennedy@denverpost.com or twitter.com/bylisakennedy
“SHREK THE MUSICAL.” Book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. Music by Jeanine Tesori. Directed by Matthew Peters. Featuring Seth Caikowski, Norrell Moore, Tyrell Rae, Scott Severtson and Rebekah Ortiz. Through Sept. 6. At the Boulder’s Dinner Theatre, 5501 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder. Tickets $38-$59 via bouldersdinnertheatre.com or 303-449-6000
