Shrek: The Musical

[pap64]

After hearing the songs, I must say the Shrek musical could be even better than the films themselves!

"Its a big, bright, beautiful world" is pure Shrek in its cynicism and sarcasm, but does a great job of developing Shrek as a character. Its no wonder he's such an angry ogre in the films. When his parents downright tell him he is destined to live alone who wouldn't be crabby later on in life?

"I know its today" also does a great job of developing Fiona as a character. Its a very princess song, focusing on Fiona's desires and how she sees herself compared to the other princesses.

I am definitely paying attention to this. After the fiasco that was "Shrek the third" the series is in dire need of a rock solid production, and this might be it.

[Ariel'sprince]

After the fiasco that was "Shrek the third" the series is in dire need of a rock solid production, and this might be it.

What? I think that Shrek The Third was the best one of the Shrek films.
But I also think that the musical might be better then the films.

[lord-of-sith]

I can't get the songs off the original link, but I'm very excited to hear the songs from this show. I love Suttion Foster!

[Siren]

After the fiasco that was "Shrek the third" the series is in dire need of a rock solid production, and this might be it.

What? I think that Shrek The Third was the best one of the Shrek films.
But I also think that the musical might be better then the films.

That's your opinion. I agree with pap64, it was the worst Shrek.

[JiminyCrick91]

That's your opinion. I agree with pap64, it was the worst Shrek.

As do I, my friends, most reviewers and a larger portion of the population. After THAT I wish they would just stop it.

-Sky

[Siren]

I am dying to see the costumes for this. I wonder if Donkey will be like the animals in Lion King or more like Cats, or something entirely different.

[tsom]

Out-of-town- tryouts starts tonight! For some reason, I'm excited for this show, and I'm not even a BIG fan of the movie. I guess I just want to see it succeed.

[aliceinneverland]

I cannot wait for this - I love all the films so much

[blackcauldron85]

I just died a little inside, typing "Shrek" into the search box. But I did it for all of you who are interested.

I found this on a website that I frequent. I'm not interested in watching it, but here's for all of you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JBycQ3WXtI
(via http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt)

[PixarFan2006]

I still do not care to see this. The first Shrek was okay, but it is terribly overrated. Shrek 2 was so-so as well, but Shrek the Third was AWFUL!
Shrek the Halls was nothing special either.

Somehow, I have a feeling we'll see a part of it during Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

[Siren]

Thanks for the video link! I for one would love to see this show, far more than say, TLM.

I really liked the first movie. The 2nd was pretty good. The third sucked. But this is only based on the best of them, the first one.

Though so far what I've seen doesn't have that Broadway feel. More like a local small theater put it on. Not that its a bad thing. Not having humongous set pieces and distracting costumes, instead focuses on the performances. Its not perfect, but its worth watching.

Fiona is great

[pap64]

Though so far what I've seen doesn't have that Broadway feel. More like a local small theater put it on. Not that its a bad thing. Not having humongous set pieces and distracting costumes, instead focuses on the performances. Its not perfect, but its worth watching.

You pretty much nailed it. I saw the videos and the sets look pretty basic and empty, like its been put together by a small community college rather than a big Broadway set team.

But, many of the best shows have simple set design (Wicked, at times, was very basic stage wise), so this shouldn't be a problem

To me, Shrek 2 is the best of the three movies. I loved how Far Far Away is modeled after Beverly Hills, the conflict between Shrek and Fiona's parents, the music...AND THE FINAL SCENES!

In comparison, Shrek 1 is a warm up while Shrek the third pretty much stops to a screeching halt.

[Siren]

Thanks! I've only seen a couple of Broadway shows. Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. Costume wise, those were huge. Set pieces were often large too.

I expected Shrek to do the same, so I think its a breathe of fresh air that they didn't. Though I am hating the Donkey costume. Its kinda silly, like a Halloween costume someone's mother made. I was actually hoping he would be...well...a Donkey. 4 legs on the ground. Maybe like a puppet, similar to Pumbaa in TLK's Broadway production, but it is what it is and I'd go see it for the humor and additions to the story more than the costumes anyways. I like the fact they put more focus on Fiona's time in the tower. In the movie Shrek asked if she had a lot of time to think it all through and we see she did.
I love this number, along with I Know Its Today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5yKfSqJ368

[Flanger-Hanger]

God forbid Broadway shows should have simplicity. It's these franchise based commercialized extravaganzas of stupidity that make me really hate Broadway today. Every show has to be based off some pre-existing film (even ridiculously stupid cash cows like Shrek and Legally Blonde) and big as loud and big as possible. Critics bash Disney shows for being too theme park like in presentation but that's how ALL shows are done these days. You can thank Andrew Loyyd Webber and his over the top in every way mind-numbing productions for that.

It's shows like this upcoming one that really make me hate to admit I'm a musical fan.

[pap64]

Thanks! I've only seen a couple of Broadway shows. Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. Costume wise, those were huge. Set pieces were often large too.

I expected Shrek to do the same, so I think its a breathe of fresh air that they didn't. Though I am hating the Donkey costume. Its kinda silly, like a Halloween costume someone's mother made. I was actually hoping he would be...well...a Donkey. 4 legs on the ground. Maybe like a puppet, similar to Pumbaa in TLK's Broadway production, but it is what it is and I'd go see it for the humor and additions to the story more than the costumes anyways. I like the fact they put more focus on Fiona's time in the tower. In the movie Shrek asked if she had a lot of time to think it all through and we see she did.
I love this number, along with I Know Its Today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5yKfSqJ368

I forgot to mention earlier that even with simplistic set design there seems to be some creativity in them. I liked how the tower rotated as each of the Fionas sang their part of the song.

I also like how they explain Shrek's backstory. As Jim Hill explained it, its a clever addition that actually makes Shrek a lovable character. You actually learn why he is so bitter throughout the story. It turns out that he was never bitter, rather bitterness was placed onto HIM.

I mean, how would you feel if growing up you were told you were going to be nothing because you are someone society doesn't accept? You feel bad for Shrek, and the number "Big Bright Beautiful World" is both sharp in its cynicism as well as character development.

I hope the show does good and that the story holds up well in musical form. Some fans are already criticizing it for a lack of catchy tunes.

[Siren]

Yes, the opening number is being criticized for not being "big Broadway hoopla", but its a fantastic set up to the Shrek character. How his parents celebrate his departure. How they tell him he won't amount to anything BUT an ogre. Which also helps explains his, "I AM AN OGRE" thing.

Pinocchio also has a larger role in this show too. He's abandoned by Geppetto and wants nothing more than to be a real boy, thinking THAT will make his life better. But as the show progresses, he learns to accept himself for who he is and not hate himself for it.

[bluemoon86]

Anyone who would critize an opening number in a Broadway show for not being a big hoopla knows nothing about Broadway. The first tried and true integrated book musical "Oklahoma!" opened with an old woman churning butter, and a man walking through a corn field singing

[Ting Ting]

I'm basically falling in love with this the more and more I look into it.
The costuming, especially. There's so much detail! I love it.

And who would have thought that a musical version of Shrek
could have such pretty music?! It's fantastic!

[tsom]

The music is pretty sweet. My favorite is still "I Know It's Today." I sing it everyday 'cause it's just fun.

[Siren]

Morning Person
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgIit9LXHfQ

I love the tap dancing rats!

Who'd I Be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj1AthXsRlY