Any SHREK news from last night?- Page 7
Any SHREK news from last night?
Bodes08
Chorus Member Joined: 7/2/08
#150Shrek
Posted: 8/24/08 at 3:11pm
Ok, I absolutely love Sutton Foster, and I'm very much attracted to her.
Having said that, this red wig does NOTHING for her. haha
The one shot in that video, the red wig made her face look almost fat. Not very attractive.
She should just put her Inga wig on and play Fiona that way. haha
I still love her though!
Wildcard
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/21/06
#151Shrek
Posted: 8/25/08 at 2:40pm
I agree that the turntable is a very nice element of the stage design.
I have seen the show a week later and have noticed a few subtle changes. Spoilers below ofcourse:
Farqaad's horse is now named Mr. Pickles. It used to be named Condoleeza.
The big bad wolf now changes his outfit from overalls into a red gown later in the show (I don't recall this in initial previews but I may have just missed it).
The dragon no longer sings with donkey in a dream scene in the second act. This occurs when donkey sings with the three blind mice describing the growing affections between Fiona and Shrek. The dragon now does a short solo after the song. I think this works better although I think the dragon character is still not fully realized and can be done away with.
The fairy tale characters no longer talk about their futures (a la Legally Blonde) at the end of the show. This is another welcome change as it helps focus the action on Shrek and Fiona's wedding.
The show has definitely tightened up a bit. Some of the songs still need to be fixed. Chester's portrayal of Donkey is a bit better. And I still don't like Donkey Pot Pie. The song is good but it totally stops the action. I noticed the people around me looking at their programs at this point to see if the first act was near its end. I think the action should follow Shrek in rescuing Fiona and give him a solo or duet here instead of the dragon.
Wheresmyvoice
Swing Joined: 6/26/08
#153Shrek
Posted: 8/25/08 at 5:37pm
I saw Shrek the Musical for the first time last night. Apparently a lot of things have changed after reading about it. Two of the original demo songs are no longer in the show: "I Could Get Used to This" and "The Wall", both have been replaced by other numbers.
Donkey now sings "I Won't Let You Go" a slower, more soulful song. I personally think the original song is better, however I never saw it performed on stage. "The Wall" is now replaced with a more optimistic song for shrek to sing before he misunderstands Donkey and Fiona called "When Words Fail". At the end of the show they had a talk-back session with the actors and creative team, and I found out the new songs were just added saturday night.
"The Line-Up Reprise #2" has been cut and the fairytale creatures no longer have their moment of what happens to them at the end (The Legally Blonde Moment) Which I found unfortunate because I felt the fairytale ensemble was one of the most enjoyable parts of the evening.
Farquaad was my favorite. period. The Ballad of Farquaad is priceless. His horse was named Mr. Hooves last night, I'm pretty sure this is improvised every night.
Overall it was fun, but not my favorite. Oh and people have been asking about why the dragon puppet is not at the end. Someone asked about that at the talk back session and they are planning on putting the dragon there, they just have no more room from all the other set pieces to fit the dragon there.
ChecksintheMayo
Stand-by Joined: 10/26/06
Wheresmyvoice
Swing Joined: 6/26/08
ChecksintheMayo
Stand-by Joined: 10/26/06
Wheresmyvoice
Swing Joined: 6/26/08
#162Shrek
Posted: 8/26/08 at 1:30am
Yeah its pretty disgusting.
At the talkback session someone told kecia they wished there was more dragon puppet. She wasn't too happy. Someone also told Chester he was a Brilliant 'Eddie Murphy impersonation' she meant it positively but you could tell he wasn't very happy.
Wildcard
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/21/06
#164Shrek
Posted: 8/26/08 at 1:45am
"They really need to redo Kecia's costume. It is hideous."
- I think it's very creative. However, it doesn't fit the rest of the world of Shrek costumes.
"I Could Get Used to This", "The Line-Up Reprise #2", and "Gonna Build a Wall" were recently cut.
- Wow, you're right! I didn't realize it. I feel bad about "Gonna Build a Wall" being gone since it really showcases Brian's singing but the new song was a lot funnier. I'm amazed at how quickly these changes get made and how easily the performers can slip them into the shows.
millie_dillmount
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/04
Wheresmyvoice
Swing Joined: 6/26/08
Wildcard
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/21/06
Act4ever
Broadway Star Joined: 4/12/04
misscrystal
Swing Joined: 6/12/06
#172Shrek
Posted: 8/27/08 at 10:09pm
I saw the musical on Sunday the 24th at the matinee performance… sorry it took me so long to post comments. It seems like the musical has changed since the initial posts.
The best way I can describe the musical is “Into the Woods” meets “Spamalot.”
The sets were truly outstanding – whoever designed them should win some awards! The costumes (for the most part) are great… colorful and interesting, and Shrek looks like Shrek!
The music was a bit disappointing. I think the lyrics are fine, but the music needs to move the audience and get into your soul. There were only a few songs that were really stellar, the rest were quite mediocre. This is where the musical needs some serious work to be broadway-worthy.
The talent was almost all incredible.
*Brian D’Arcy James as Shrek gave a fantastic performance and was able to showcase some amazing vocals in some of the songs (Who I’d Be).
*Sutton Foster as Fiona was so funny, she really has comedic timing down perfectly. I was sad that some of her songs didn’t give her a chance to belt and “wow” the audience with her voice.
*Christopher Sieber as Lord Farquaad gave a truly stand-out performance (his knees must hurt!) throughout the show. He expertly delivered in every scene and song he was in!
*Chester Gregory as Donkey was my one big disappointment. I was excited hearing his demo songs for Shrek, but his acting was lackluster, boring, and really timid. I don’t know if someone told him to “hold back” or something, but he needs to be told to go wild and crazy, be funny, outrageous, and embrace Donkey’s character.
*John Tartaglia as Pinocchio (and other characters) was so much fun! He gave a great reference in one of the last songs to a “mix tape” which not many people in the audience caught. At one point the fairy tale creatures “play” Pinocchio like an instrument which is fantastic. John in this role reminds me of Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins.
*Kecia Lewis-Evans as Dragon delivers stellar vocal performances during the few times she is on stage. Unfortunately, the songs she has do not move the plot along ( and are confusing for those of us who have not seen Shrek the movie before).
*The rest of the ensemble were wonderful. I would have loved to see more of them (especially as fairy tale creatures). When the whole cast was on stage, they brought a much-needed energy to the musical.
Here are the songs in order as performed on 8/24/08 at the matinee.
ACT 1
“Big, Bright Beautiful World” intro to the musical is okay, we get to see the back story on Shrek
“I Won’t Let You Go” is Donkey’s song convincing Shrek to keep him around. This song needs to be cut… it seems lifeless and slow.
“The Line Up” such a funny chorus line spoof… we are introduced to all of the fairy tale creatures here… the costumes are wonderful
“The Goodbye Song” is a funny song that the fairy tale folks sing to Shrek. I like the song, although it isn’t really necessary and doesn’t really move the story along at all. I teach 2nd grade and would like to use this song in my classroom :)
“I Know It’s Today” – initially I was worried about this song, but I actually really love it. The “3 Fionas” idea works surprisingly well. There were a couple of peculiar musical moments in this song, but the ending was just what you’d want in a great musical number.
“Things are Looking Up in Duloc” This is a pretty good song… Lord F is fantastic. The costumes are a bit weird, though. Loved the wicked reference (and so did the audience).
“Travel Song” is full of references (Lion King, the “Hey Diddle Diddle” poem, and more). The song itself isn’t that interesting, and I was disappointed with Donkey’s performance yet again. The bridge scene is visually interesting, but moves too slowly and gets boring.
“Donkey Pot Pie” is a wonderful song… I just can’t really figure out its purpose to the plot! Having not seen Shrek, the story line here had to be explained to me. Also, the big puppet dragon didn’t need to hang around so long… it kept on making continuity mistakes with the live person dragon. I heard a kid in the audience say “but it’s lips aren’t moving!” Dragon delivers a soulful performance, but the song doesn’t really communicate a message clearly.
“This Is How a Dream Comes True” was what I thought would be a great belting number for Fiona, but it ended without power and really didn’t highlight Sutton’s singing abilities at all.
“Who I’d Be” is a nice song with the stars… sort of made me think about the part in Lion King where Simba is looking up at the stars. Shrek sings it wonderfully. Unfortunately, this is not a great song to end the first act. It is too slow (plus, the song just before it was slow, too!).
ACT 2
“Morning Person” was one of my favorite songs – Fiona is hilarious. It is truly like a twisted fairy tale. The 42nd Street reference is fantastic.
“I Think I Got You Beat” is the farting song. I don’t really like this kind of humor, but I will admit to laughing hysterically at this silly competitive song :)
“The Ballad of Farquaad” does an amazing job of highlighting the talents of Christopher's singing and acting abilities. The references to Snow White and Princess and the Pea were wonderful. Excellent song!
“Gotta Make a Move?” There was a song here listed as “Let Her In” but we thought it was a new song called “Gotta Make a Move”… whatever it was called, it was the first time Donkey really put forth pizzazz, spunk, energy, and comedy into a good song. Yay!
“When Words Fail” is a truly excellent song that Shrek sings as he contemplates how to show his love to Fiona. Well done and expertly placed in the musical!
“Freak Flag” is my favorite song. All of the fairy tale creatures sing about letting their freak flags wave (being proud of being a freak). Pinocchio is so funny… he needs more stage time (as do all of the fairy tale characters)!
“More to the Story” is Fiona’s song she sings getting ready for her wedding. I was a little disappointed with this song, too… the music just didn’t capture my soul like it should!
The last song is listed as “Wedding Procession” and “The Wedding” but it was actually a reprise of “Big, Bright, Beautiful World” which was a fairly good ending.
#173Shrek - Seattle
Posted: 9/1/08 at 3:29pm
Oops - it seems this is where Seattle reviews are being posted. Reposting my review from the other thread of the 8/30 evening performance:
SO ... last night on a whim we decided to see Shrek! Got pretty good seats considering we bought our tickets at 5:30 pm. So here are my opinions:
I was quite impressed. The cast is phenomenal - and Christopher Sieber steals the show. Completely blew me away. His number Things are Looking Up in Duloc literally stopped the show. This is not to say they need to do some major adjusting.
Act 1 (other than the previous song) is so SLOW and the music really is not that catchy. Nothing that makes you go wow. The opening sequence (not sure what has been said so I don't want to spoil anything) is completely pointless and adds nothing to the show. Mind you - this is only the songs. The scenes are clever - and even though it's a bit heavy handed on the whole pop-culture reference stuff, I know it's Shrek! and that's a part of what it is. The dragon's number is bland, which seems like a waste for a very talented woman. Overall I gave it a B-.
Act 2, on the other hand, was everything I expected from the show. High energy, dancing, clever. Loved it! The funny thing was that my boyfriend's song list was different from mine, so we were trying to figure out who had the right one.
One of my biggest problems is that Shrek doesn't actually get a killer number. Fiona, Farquaad and Donkey do, but his song's are just not that fun.
The cast is truly awesome. Brian D'Arcy James truly inhabits Shrek. I so wish they write him a kick-@$$ song soon. Sutton Foster is so charming, perfect for the part. John Tartaglia was SO funny - and there are even a couple of Ave Q references that were cute. Chester Gregory was fine, but one can't help to compare him to Eddie Murphy since the lines are pretty much the same. Kecia Lewis-Evans is terribly under-used as the Dragon. Those are tough hooves to fill. (bad pun) The ensemble is truly all very talented, each shining as the fairy tale creatures.
We went out for drinks after, and were lucky enough to go to the place where the cast goes. On my way out I congratulated some of the cast members - all very gracious and fun, and even got to share a few words with Mr. Sieber. What a gentleman!
With a few fixes, this show should be a huge hit on Broadway.
Celebrate Life
Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted. - Randy Pausch
Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted. - Randy Pausch
ChecksintheMayo
Stand-by Joined: 10/26/06
#174Two Sundays
Posted: 9/1/08 at 4:59pm
This covers two Sunday shows, a week apart.
- My initial issue with Shrek as a character was that, at least in the first act, he's not very dynamic. There's still the tendency for thing to happen to him - and we end up seeing a reactive instead of a pro-active character. From the very first opening number, "Big, Bright Beautiful World," we're inundated with things happening to seven year-old Shrek, which finally drive him to seclusion.
Instead of Young Shrek planting a seed that grows and then going to the outhouse (along with that pretty transition as the flower "grows"), there's a little bit of that spark there now, when after he scares the crowd, he turns and gives the ol' rock star sign before running to the outhouse.
It's better, but not great. Part of it is because the staging is so static. But also because it doesn't ring quite true for a character who secretly wants adventure and to be a hero. The child should be running around, getting into things, trying to push his way into the world, and yes, getting beaten down at every step - but at least he's made the effort ("But then I learned"). It makes his "**** ya'll, I'm outta here" when he finally holes up all the more poignant.
- The Little Red Riding Hood scene from the film at the end of "Big Bright Beautiful World" was put in. You know. The part where she maces him. New prop - he has an easy chair now and settles down into it after picking up the abandoned basket of goodies.
- What's kind of jarring about "The Line Up" is how quickly it goes to the swamp from there. One minute they're booted out, next thing you know they're all surrounding Shrek.
- Donkey doesn't come in until after Shrek heads out to reclaim his swamp. "I Won't Let You Go," described as "creepy stalker slash" (by a few people) and vaguely reminiscent of "I'll Cover You" (by me) has replaced "I Could Get Used to This." But the kids seemed to like it. The scene plays out pretty much as normal, except they're outside his swamp and Shrek only lets him come along because he's lost.
Looks like these changes were done to focus more heavily on Shrek, at least in the beginning.
- Magic Mirror & Assistant discuss that Fiona's been locked in the tower for twenty years, from when she was seven. Since this tidbit is mentioned twice (also in "I Think I Got You Beat"), I'm going to be pedantic here and say the math doesn't add up, because "day number 4823" is a little over thirteen years. Or maybe I'm just confused by what they mean by twenty years.
- Shrek does a reprise of "I Won't Let You Go," when he grabs Donkey's leg to haul him up from the bridge, instead of telling him to give him his hoof. Well, it does show initiative.
And this is where my second rant of "where's the action?" comes in. Seriously. For an ogre in the midst of adventure, he sure isn't seeing a whole lot of it. Maybe because it's difficult to stage a lot of physical stuff, but really? Completely missing the dragon? I'm not insisting on an action sequence on par with the film, but have him do something. Why not split "Donkey Pot Pie" with Shrek coming back to try to save Donkey? Emphasis on "try." The way the dragon is set up, it could curl up around the stage, with it's tail coming back in stage left. Shrek could interrupt the song, yanking on it and then get pulled off stage. The song could continue, and in the background, a shadow of him being hoisted and jerked in the air by a flailing tail until he finally gets thrown off...and perhaps into the side of a certain tower? Fiona's tambourine solo would interrupted by a loud BAM, a groan, and Shrek could then climb in.
- "This is How a Dream Comes True" Still doesn't do much for me. No real visible threats. Some fireball shadows and fancy lighting. And the portcullis doesn't really drop so much as casually amble down.
- It took me a couple viewings to appreciate just how lovely and poignant "Who I'd Be" is.
Act Two
- In "I Think I Got You Beat," Shrek no longer looks embarrassed when he farts. That used to bug the hell out of me. Instead he uses the "better out than in" line and yes. YES. This is VERY good. Shrek has NEVER been ashamed of being what he was. There's no need for apologies.
Dragon's bit of song that used to be wedged in the middle of "Gotta Make a Move," "What Happens to love" is now placed here. It's far more effective when not lost in Donkey's number, especially with the two heartbroken figures sharing a stage.
Unfortunately, this kinda makes a certain plot hole a lot more obvious. Mainly, when did Donkey meet up with Dragon again?
-Fiona does a little reprise of "When Words Fail" in the "I tell him, I tell him not" scene, using the same words, changed to "he'll understand." It's a nice touch, showing how alike they really are.
Which means that not including the "I Think I Got You Beat" duet, Fiona has THREE songs in the second act - "Morning Person," "When Words Fail (reprise)" and "More to the Story," while Shrek has, ah, one. Two, if you count that short "Big Bright Beautiful World" bit during the wedding sequence. And yes, I have a point. I want "Gonna Build a Wall" back. Damn it. Why does everyone else get an 11 o'clock number except him?
-I admit I look forward to what Farquaad's calls his horse every show. So far I've heard Mona Lisa, Sprinkles, Ichiro, Hasselbeck and Voldemort.
- The tree-like squiggly scene dividers are lit up white with shadows of stained-glass windows projected onto them while Fiona sings "More to the Story." Speaking of which, more standing around and singing in a lot of dead space. Why isn't anything else happening? Why not have Donkey meet up Dragon here? Why not have Shrek returning home? Even if you have to put it behind a scrim or something.
- Farquaad's "Aaaawkward" makes me laugh like an idiot. So they cut out Shrek's "and they lived happily ever after" stuff as well as that awful random hugging scene. Instead, they kiss, then turn to the audience as Donkey joins them. The music swells, and...
FART
Yeah, I'm kind of tired of the fart jokes at this point, but everybody else seems to love it, and it's much better than the old ending, so I'll leave it at that. Donkey shrills out, "Shrek!" who blithely returns, "It wasn't me." Fiona shrugs. "Better out than in, I always say." And it goes to, "I Smell a Happy Ending." Curtain call.
- I took a closer look at the stage during a few scenes and the triple turntable design is brilliant. There are three circles all within each each other and placed not in concentric design, but on tangents. Which means that while the smallest circle rotates to keep the actors facing forward, the larger one does as well, to pull them from the back of the stage to the front. Which is a really cool effect during the finale.
#175Last Night
Posted: 9/1/08 at 7:15pm
Saw Shrek last night and had a lot of fun.I loved how colorful the stage was before the show even started. There are lights that look like fireflies and bugs that move around inside a tree.
Anyway there were only a few things that bothered me. I didn't like how the Dragon's mouth didn't move at all as she sang. Everything else moved so why not the mouth? It was weird seeing the Dragon Lady walk around away from the puppet too. It was a little distracting. I didn't feel like the Lady and the Puppet were one character. Also, the first act lasted an hour and 20 minutes. It was still fun but I really needed to stretch my legs.
In act two Shrek and Fiona's burp/fart duet was a bit much. Later Fiona's transformation from an ogre to a human was strange since they had the double walk behind one tree and then Sutton came out from behind a different tree...
Great performances by all the actors. Christopher Sieber as Lord Farquad was my favorite part. I thought it must be so tough to have to do the entire show on his knees but afterward he said that his knees were actually the only thing that didn't hurt.
Overall it was a very enjoyable show.
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