Based on the 2001 DreamWorks film of the same name & the 1990 book, Shrek!, by William Steig, Shrek opened on Broadway in previews in November 2008, with a December 14, 2008 official opening {after a tryout in Seattle, Washington}. The musical debuted at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre on August 14, 2008 in previews, opening September 10-21, 2008. Jason Moore was director & Josh Prince was choreographer. The cast featured Brian d'Arcy James as Shrek, Chester Gregory 2nd, John Tartaglia as Pinocchio, Sutton Foster as Princess Fiona, Christopher Sieber as Lord Farquaad, & Kecia Lewis-Evans as the dragon. The tryout generally favorable reviews, being cited as one of the few of the movie-to-stage adaptions "with heart."
Yet, despite a budget of $24 million in attentadance, some members of the audience had a negative feeling toward the play. Several members of the audience claimed that DreamWorks is doing the same thing that Disney has done. The review also noted that "like High School Musical, Shrek leans heavily on winking satire." As a matter of fact, the popularity of High School Musical has led to ice shows, concerts, & several parodies. There has been several rumors that DreamWorks wanted to beat Disney's popularity by creating products, as well as this musical, to beat their rival.
Of course, even for High School Musical, there are several who enjoyed the show since its debut. The Associated Press said that "the folks at DreamWorks have done their darndest to make sure we are entertained at 'Shrek the Musical'", the company's lavish stage adaption of its hit movie. For much of the time, they succeed, thanks to talent and ingratiating appeal of the show's four principal performers. The show's massive sets and colorful costumes {both courtesy of Tim Hatley} are so visually eye-catching that they often distract from what's going on with the story and score.
That's just what they state anyway. When it all comes down to making decisions, I never take sides with anyone. I state the answer the way I see it. As a matter of fact, whether or not DreamWorks are rivals with Disney is not something to justify. The musical is a triumph of comic imagination for families to enjoy. There's a saying that, "If it's something you enjoy than the fans will enjoy it." Shrek has become a smash hit in the film industry, now it hopes to become a smash hit on Broadway. It's too early to say whether or not Shrek will succeed on the stage; however, I believe the show has a chance to make it to stardom. The show is known for its colorful casts, amazing sets, & extraordinary attire. If all goes as well as it's debut, then Shrek will definetly be remembered 20 years from now.
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Shrek was a GREAT, fun loving movie so why would critics think it wouldn't be a prosperous show?! I think having Shrek as a musical would be fun and humorous. The good thing about having Shrek as a musical is that the costumes and sets can really wow the audience because it is a kid friendly cartoon. This leaves room for creativity with the set design and costumes. From what I have seem the costumes look amazing!
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, Sutton Foster and princess Fiona seems perfect. Sutton Foster is a wonderful actress with lots of talent. She stared as Millie in the broadway musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie." She was lead to stardom through that so there is not a doubt that she won't disapoint. Needless to say I am excited to see the show and love the music I have already heard from it.