The Box’s ‘Shrek’ finds tenderness among fairytale frolics

By Marilyn Jozwik

Published March 3, 2020

With all the wacky characters and hijinks in the musical
“Shrek” it can be easy to dismiss the tender love story.

With Gage Patterson and Anna Otto as Shrek and Fiona at the
heart of the story, plus an engaging cast of characters surrounding them, The
Box Theatre has a winner in its presentation of Shrek, directed by Allison
Chicorel.

The story is sort of a fairytale mashup. Shrek, a big green ogre whose parents sent him off on his own when he was just 7 years old, has always been an outcast, so he hides in the swamp. His quiet seclusion is broken when a contingent of fairytale characters – Pinocchio, Ugly Duckling, Mad Hatter, etc. – are forced out of their homes into Shrek’s swamp by an egotistical ruler, Lord Farquaard (Ben Bartos). Led by Pinocchio (Eloise Slipper), the motley crew pleads their case with Shrek, who agrees to talk to Farquaard so that he can get his swamp back and return the others to their homes.

Farquaard agrees, but first Shrek must travel to a castle, fortified by a fire-breathing dragon, and return with Princess Fiona for the lord to wed. On his journey to the castle, Shrek meets Donkey (Dennis Lewis), a non-stop talker who annoys Shrek to no end but insists on being Shrek’s companion on his adventure.

Shrek is successful in his mission to rescue Fiona from the castle and the three return to Farquaard’s kingdom. Of course, everything gets sorted out happily at the end.

I loved everything about Patterson’s portrayal of Shrek, including his convincing Scottish accent. His Shrek has the whole range of human emotions. There is something sad, yet strong and sturdy about him. We soon feel that, despite his looks, he is most capable – courageous even – and that he can be loved. Patterson makes the audience forget he is a fairytale character. Vocally, Patterson can handle a stirring ballad, such as “When Words Fail,” with tenderness, as well as providing a hefty command of tunes like “Build a Wall.”

The Act II scenes with Fiona and Shrek are warm and touching. Otto and Patterson are wonderful in the bouncy, whimsical “I Think I Got You Beat,” in which each tells the story of an unhappy childhood. Just pitch perfect in performance and vocals.

Otto’s Fiona pairs perfectly with Patterson’s Shrek as they take over Act II on their journey to Duloc, Farquaard’s kingdom. We first see Fiona in Act I as she forms the last of a trio of singers representing Fiona growing up in the song “I Know It’s Today.” It is a beautifully done piece – visually as well -- with Molly Flint and Lucy Natalie serving as the younger versions of Fiona. The vocals are pure and sweet, with Otto adding all the right comedic elements at the end.

As Donkey, Lewis is a fine contrast to Patterson’s Shrek. Lewis gives an animated, energetic and upbeat portrayal of the obnoxious sidekick to the unflappable Shrek.

Bartos as Farquaard keeps his character’s arrogance and regal bearing, and looks natural in his small stature, no small feat considering he must move around on his knees (ouch!) to portray the diminutive Lord. Bartos also displays some very pleasant vocals in “What’s Up Duloc” and “The Ballad of Duloc.”

All the characters were well-portrayed and costumed, although a few could have projected a little better. Slipper gave Pinocchio a fitting high-pitched voice and assertive manner, while Ivy Broder rocked out with some mature vocals as the Dragon Voice in “Forever” and other pieces.

Ensemble numbers were nicely choreographed by Chicorel and
well-executed by the cast, including “What’s Up Duloc” with the colorful,
yellow-haired denizens. All the characters got their chance to shine in the
energetic “Freak Flag,” the anthem to diversity.

Clayton Irwin’s forest backdrop and Terri Field’s banner drops enhanced the performance, while Chicorel’s light design (Julia Rady, light operation) helped set the right moods.

This is a marvelous production that will be pleasing and entertaining for both young and old, although very young children may find the two-hour show a little hard to sit through.

If you go

Who: The Box Theatre

What: “Shrek the Musical"

When: Through March 8

Where: W359 N5920 Brown St., Oconomowoc

Info/Tickets: www.boxtheatreco.org;
262-560-0564