Everyone
needs a little (make that a huge) ogre in their lives, and you won’t find a
better one than the big greenie played by Patrick Ciamacco in this lively
production.
Yes,
the artistic director of Blank Canvas Theatre is moonlighting as the title
character in this musical that feels a lot like Beauty and the Beast with attitude. Shrek is an ugly outcast who
keeps others at arm’s length with sarcastic putdowns, until a princess pierces his defenses.
Director
and choreographer Pierre-Jacques Brault has not spared the horsepower on
costumes and scenery, and the young cast performs with unflagging spirit.
Even
though some of the scenes and dance numbers go a bit flat, Brian Marshall as
the height-challenged Lord Farquaad is always there to brighten the
proceedings. Stomping about on his stumpy legs, Marshall’s Farquaad is a
pint-sized terror, and consistently hilarious.
Sara
Masterson handles all the duties of the princess-with-a-secret with a sure
hand, from the farting and belching contest with Shrek to her songs such as “Morning
Person.”
As
Shrek’s donkey/sideman, Justin Woody can conjure laughs from the simplest lines,
although his singing range is not nearly as wide as his infectious grin.
The
fairy tale characters who are thrown out of the Lord’s kingdom all look their
parts, but many of their lyrics are inaudible. And the inflatable balloon nose
on Pinnochio goes distressingly limp when he’s not lying, leaving a thin string
of rubber that flops around and gets in the way of a promising performance by
Danny DiMarino.
Dan
DiCello and Kelvette Beacham offer some sharp cameos, with Beacham coming
on strong as the fearsome dragon.
But
most importantly, Ciamacco is throughly amazing, mastering the Shrek voice
we’ve come to expect and singing his songs with professional pizzazz and
feeling. And when his Shrek and Fiona embrace at the end, it’s enough to make ordinary
humans green with envy.
Shrek
Through
June 29 at Mercury Summer Stock, Regina Hall, Notre Dame College, Green Road
between Mayfield and Cedar Roads, South Euclid, 216-771-5862
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