{"id":370378,"date":"2025-07-15T16:31:01","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T20:31:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dctheaterarts.org\/?p=370378"},"modified":"2025-07-15T16:31:01","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T20:31:01","slug":"upper-room-theatres-shrek-the-musical-has-heart-hilarity-and-hijinks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dctheaterarts.org\/2025\/07\/15\/upper-room-theatres-shrek-the-musical-has-heart-hilarity-and-hijinks\/","title":{"rendered":"Upper Room Theatre’s ‘Shrek the Musical’ has heart, hilarity and hijinks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Once upon a swamp, Upper Room Theatre Ministry\u2019s Shrek the Musical<\/em> burst onto the stage with heart, hilarity, and hijinks to make even the grumpiest ogre crack a smile. Under sharp direction and backed by vibrant choreography, whimsical costumes, powerhouse vocals, and imaginative sets, this fairytale misfit adventure proves that being different is what makes a show truly magical.<\/p>\n

Based on the 2001 DreamWorks animated film (which drew from William Steig\u2019s children\u2019s book), Shrek the Musical <\/em>follows the grumpy, flatulent ogre Shrek, who finds his peaceful swamp overrun by exiled fairytale creatures. In a quest to reclaim his home, he strikes a deal with the pint-sized Lord Farquaad: rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower, and his swamp will be returned. Along the way, with an overly chatty donkey at his side, Shrek discovers that love and friendship might be scarier than any dragon.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Joshua Ewalt as Shrek in \u2018Shrek the Musical.\u2019 Photo by Rich Zavadowski.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Director Rob Tessier leans into the show’s big heart without sacrificing its outrageous comedy. Music director Chris Zavadowski brings out the full force of Jeanine Tesori\u2019s dynamic score, which blends classic Broadway flair with rock, gospel, and even doo-wop. Leading a 14-person band playing 75 different instruments, Zavadowski not only shaped a tight, energetic pit but also coached the cast to deliver vocals that were rich, expressive, and full of character. Choreographer Marianna Constable, assisted by Abby Chaumont, infused every number with playful inventiveness, crafting movements that matched the show\u2019s humor while still challenging and showcasing the ensemble\u2019s talents.<\/p>\n

Joshua Ewalt brings a refreshing, subdued, and introspective Shrek, leaning into the ogre\u2019s loneliness and weariness with a melancholic charm. Ewalt\u2019s baritone voice gives the role a surprising vulnerability, adding emotional nuance to songs like \u201cWho I\u2019d Be\u201d and \u201cWhen Words Fail,\u201d quietly anchoring the show\u2019s message of self-acceptance. Opposite him, Abby Rozmajzl delivered a truly magnificent performance as Princess Fiona, lighting up the stage with a captivating charm, wit, and powerhouse talent. From her hilarious tantrums to her touching solos, she captured the full complexity of Fiona with grace, heart, and fearless energy.<\/p>\n

Anthony Williams took on the lovable Donkey with enthusiasm and energy. As one of the show\u2019s most lively and iconic characters, Williams serves as the comic relief, delivering heartfelt moments and driving the story with optimism. And let\u2019s not forget Jack Lockrem as Lord Farquaad, whose commitment to the famous knee-high role (performed entirely on his knees) earned howls of laughter from the preview audience. For all you Wicked<\/em> fans, be prepared to hear Lockrem channel his inner Elphaba.<\/p>\n

The ensemble is nothing short of outstanding \u2014 a vibrant, ever-shifting cast of fairytale misfits who bring color, chaos, and cohesion to every corner of the stage. Whether playing townspeople, tap-dancing rats, Duloc dancers, blind mice, or storybook creatures, each performer creates a rich and immersive world. The fairytale creatures\u2019 \u201cFreak Flag\u201d was a showstopper with explosive energy, vocal nuance, dynamic choreography, and strong solos by Gingy (Danielle Serrano-Bremer) and Humpty Dumpty (Rachel Edwards). Tessier, Zavadowski, and Constable\u2019s shared belief in the power of ensemble storytelling is evident, proving to the audience that even in a show about ogres and dragons, it takes a whole swamp to tell a great story.<\/p>\n

\"\"
TOP: Jack Lockrem (Farquaad) and Duloc Performers (Michael Pryor, Meridyth Rosato, Nick Villacorte, Jack Tessier, Taylor Esguerra, Luke Tessier, Lucy Underwood, and Danielle Serrano-Bremer); ABOVE: Grace Tessier (Sugar Plum Fairy), Meridyth Rosato (Witch), Daniel Ferguson (Pinocchio), Noah Sari\u00f1ana (Peter Pan), Avery Heisy (Straw), Ben Philippart (Bricks), Jonathan Rosato (Dragon puppeteer), Sam Allen (Guard), and Rachel Edwards (Humpty Dumpty, in \u2018Shrek the Musical.\u2019 Photos by Rich Zavadowski.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Standout performances came in many forms, but Daniel Ferguson as Pinocchio and Clare Kolasch as the Dragon were undeniable scene-stealers. Ferguson delivered a hilariously sassy and neurotic Pinocchio, leaning into the character\u2019s over-the-top flair with impeccable comedic timing. On the opposite emotional spectrum, Kolasch brought a stunning vocal presence to the role of Dragon. Her solo \u201cForever\u201d soared with a soulful, commanding belt that blended power and pain. Together, Ferguson and Kolasch highlighted the musical\u2019s strength: letting big characters be bold and human.<\/p>\n

Visually, the production stuns. Scenic designer Pat Haggerty had the incredible task of creating a storybook set full of clever surprises, while the costume team, led by Kyna Chilcot, intricately and expertly brought dozens of iconic characters to life. The 13-foot custom dragon puppet was especially impressive with its enormous size and green glowing eyes, gracefully operated by puppeteer Jonathan Rosato. Special shoutout to the makeup and hair team, also led by Kyna Chilcot, with the multiple prosthetics for fairytale creatures, including magical transformations completed in a matter of seconds. Sound and lighting design was provided by Dan Martin. Stage management was staffed by Amy Underwood, Moira Daly, Joanna Schoenborn, and Jay Wells. It was impressive to witness the stage management and crew coordinating to move massive set pieces \u2014 like the 14-foot tower \u2014 in such tight backstage quarters.<\/p>\n

At its heart, Shrek the Musical<\/em> is about looking beyond appearances, challenging expectations, and finding beauty in unexpected places. Upper Room Theatre\u2019s production embraces every quirky inch of this story and reminds us that true love doesn\u2019t always come in a handsome package. Sometimes it lives in a swamp and farts. And that\u2019s okay.<\/p>\n

Running Time: Two hours and 30 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.<\/p>\n

Shrek the Musical <\/em><\/strong>plays through July 20, 2025, presented by Upper Room Theatre Ministry<\/a>, performing in the All Saints Performing Arts Center, at All Saints Catholic Church, 9300 Stonewall Road, Manassas, VA. Patrons are encouraged to buy tickets online<\/a> as the shows do sell out.<\/p>\n

Warnings: Mild potty humor, occasional scary moments (dragon), fog, slapstick violence, themes of rejection and bullying behavior, and torture of a Gingerbread man.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This quirky fairytale adventure is about looking beyond appearances and finding beauty in unexpected places. By CHRISTINE MAXTED<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":370385,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,22],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-370378","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-community-theater","8":"category-virginia"},"acf":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\nUpper Room Theatre's 'Shrek the Musical' has heart, hilarity and hijinks - 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