Shrek the Musical- Hopebox Theatre
Direction:
The show was directed by Sadie Day and assistant directed by James Boley. This duo made sure that all parts of their production team knew their vision. As a result, all parts of the show were cohesive and made this production magnificent. This team did something with this production that I have never seen done before. The opening narration was made into a film that was projected onto the side of the set, making the audience feel like they were there to watch the movie. They also had an audience interactive moment during the wedding scene that I had never seen before.
The show was music directed by Catherine Washburn. Washburn was able to pull out the vocal talent of every individual of the show and make them sound pristine on stage. The vocals for "Big Bright Beautiful World" were energetic and stunning to listen to. The vocals for "Story of My Life," were full of character and a delight to listen to. "Don't Let Me Go," was bouncy and wonderful to listen to. "What's Up Duloc" vocals blended well and were fun to listen to. "I Know It's Today" was a vocal highlight of the show. (seriously, the best rendition I have ever heard) "Who I'd Be," was a delightful with the trio's harmonies. "Morning Person" vocals were fun to listen to. "Freak Flag" vocals were powerful and a highlight of the night.
The show was choreographed by Kayley Turner. Being someone who has worked on a production with Turner, I knew I wouldn't be let down by her choreography. "Story of My Life" choreography was big and full of character. "What's Up Duloc" choreography was fun to watch because of how simple and clean it was. "Morning Person" choreography was eye catching to watch. It was well practiced because everyone was in unison with their tapping. "Freak Flag" choreography had so much energy and was a delight to watch.
Performances:
Shrek was played by Gregory Harrison. Harrison created a character that was big, hilarious and unapologetically himself. His vocals were stunning to listen to. When he sang "Who I'd Be," it brought tears to my eyes. You could see the dreams that Shrek wanted but hadn't reached because of all of the pain that he had to overcome. Harrison created a powerful moment in "Build a Wall."
Fiona was played by Dusti Mulder. Mulder played Fiona as an elegant, strong, independent woman. Her vocals were show stopping. When she sang, "I Know It's Today," I got the chills. "Morning Person" was funny and a delight to watch. Mulder was my favorite of the night.
Donkey was play Lance McDaniel. McDaniel's physicality and faces were comical to watch. He crushed it with his vocals and choreography in "Don't Let Me Go." When he talked about the parfait and got angry, it got a good laugh from the audience. "Make a Move," was full of energy and was hilarious.
Farquaad was played by Justin L. Cook. I always love watching Cook on stage and this production wasn't any different. From the moment he stepped, or knee walked, on stage he was hilarious to watch. Cook oozed evil in the most delightful way. He took advantage of his painted eyebrows to add comedy to his facial expressions. Cook's vocals in "What's Up Duloc" were wonderful to listen to. I sat next to his children and you could see their delight every time their dad was on stage creating this amazing character.
Gingy was played by Haylie Davis. Davis has grown every production I have seen her in. Her characterization was strong and she truly felt like Gingy. When she sang "Freak Flag" she nailed all the rifts.
Pinocchio was played by Ace Johnston. Being someone who has watched Ace in multiple productions I could see how much he has grown. From the moment he stepped on stage he was full Pinocchio. While singing "Story of My Life," you could see the pain that Pinocchio has gone through.
Design:
The set was designed and built by Curtis Dalton, the scenic painter was Emma Hale and the set decorator Tanaya Brown Ropp. This trio created a show stopping set. From the moment you walked in you felt immersed into the story. The leaves on the trees were made from nets. The center opened up like a cabinet that folds onto itself to reveal Farquaad's castle. (Closing it back up to the forest setting got tricky sometimes because the top of the set piece would get caught on the netting used for the trees. During intermission one of the cast members used a ladder to fix the netting so it wouldn't get caught anymore.) The signs by the outhouse looked like they came from out of the movie. On stage right there was a bookshelf and castle designed that was used for Fiona's tower. The back wall was a painted masterpiece that looked a part of a fairytale.
The costume designer was Torrey Woolsey. Woolsey created a stunning group of costumes that went together to tell the story. I was able to look at each character and know EXACTLY who they were supposed to be by their costumes. Woolsey made the leads costumes similar to the film. My favorite costumes of the night were the ones made for the Sugar Plum Fairy.
The props artisan was Wyatt Welch. Welch created a set of gorgeous props that fit well into the show. Donkey's souvenir shirt and coconut bra were a comedic highlight of the show. The dossier was well made. The Puss in Boots puppet was adorable. The Shrek vs. Fiona chalkboard was a funny moment in the show.
The wig designer was Malia Naluai. Naluai created wigs that helped bring the fairytale feel of the show. My favorite wigs of the production were the ones that Fiona and Sugar Plum Fairy wore.
Wall of Hope Recipient:
The Hopebox Theatre's mission is, "Bringing Hope to Families Battling Cancer through the Performing Arts." Each show they pick a recipient that they donate a portion of their proceeds and all their donations to. For this show their recipient is Mark Pozzuoli.
Here is his story from the Hopebox Theatre's website:
Mark Pozzuoli is the definition of what Hopebox Theatre stands for. He has been with the theatre since the beginning and has given an immeasurable amount of time as both a volunteer and as an employee. He has supported nearly every single Wall of Hope Recipient as they have been celebrated and recognized, and now, it is his turn. So many are grateful for the opportunity to give back to Mark because of the substantial way in which he positively impacts every single person he comes in contact with.
Mark is married to his beautiful wife, Kathy, and together they have two daughters, Victoria and Alexa. They have one son-in-law, Adam, two adorable grandchildren, Henry and Millie, and their mini goldendoodle Tobi. Mark has served much of his life as an educator and coach. He has also worked for Hopebox Theatre as House Manager and Tech Booth Operator for numerous shows. Mark was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He is currently undergoing chemo treatments every other week and has had to take a break from Hopebox Theatre.
Support Mark by purchasing tickets to Shrek the Musical and by donating to him directly through Venmo @givehopebox.
Final Impressions:
Shrek the Musical is one of my all time favorite shows. This production was well thought out and just plain magical. It was more special for me to see this production because of the years I've worked at the Hopebox and have personally worked with Mark. He has a special place in my heart. I hope that anyone that comes to see the show will be able to see the positive impact Mark has had on the theatre community. If you are in the position to do so, please donate to the Hopebox so you can help support Mark in his cancer journey and help this wonderful theatre to continue bringing hope to families through the performing arts.
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