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I had a chance to see "Shrek the Musical" last week on Broadway. I was really struck by how well the audience responded to the witty and sometimes sarcastic song lyrics.

Some of the lines could have been real throw-aways, but the actors had such great timing and diction that the lines were hard to miss.

I also liked the song, "Freak Flag" - an homage to Jimi Hendrix.

Anyone else see the show?

Hi Jason,
I agree that Shrek was GREAT! I surprised my friend with tickets to the show and it ended up being a real treat for both of us! Sutton Foster and Brian d'Arcy James are perfect for their roles. The costumes and sets are transport you to Dulac, and the choreography is delightful. There are a number of amazing moments (particularly one involving a singing blue bird...). I didn't expect to love it as much as I did and am now recommending that all of my friends see it if at all possible.
-Christine

I wasn't sure what to expect from Shrek.  I wasn't sure how anyone could improve on the movie, but I figured that since I love Jeanine Tesori's work, I'd at least enjoy the music.  Happily, I was proven wrong!  I'm so impressed with how clever and genuine the show is.  What I found fascinating were the differences between the show and the movie.  The fairy tale creatures in the show struck me as being slightly disturbing--there was something washed-up and almost seedy about them, which made the show feel much more grown up than the movie.  I also loved how the show was about a variety of different issues.  Two of the clearest ones are the juxtaposition between the life you expect or feel you deserve, and the life you end up with, and the idea that community can celebrate individuality.  This last issue made me think a lot about Wicked.  One of the messages of that show is that people who are different need to reject society to survive.  Shrek, however, says that people who are different need to find their own community to "let their freak flag fly." 

I loved the show---the humor played so well for the adults as well as the kids I was with (9, 11 years old).  For some reason, I think people are surprised (happily) at how well-written the show is (script and score).  The production is truly incredible, but the feedback people give me is how much they loved the show when they might have initially gone for their kids' sake.  This is going to turn out to be a classic, I think.  Has anyone seen the girl on YouTube singing "Who I'd be?"  Very cool-very moving.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5fOkrL2I7k

i love the book, i love the music, i love the sets, and some of the innovative things they did with the show (Lord Farquad) are just amazing! i think alot of the things they did were spot on, and really cool. 

that being said, i hate Sutton's costume, it reminds me of a costume that you would see in a theme park, or when your turning 8 and the charachter comes to your birthday party. i just think it looks kinda cheap, which is partially because of the fabric they used. i also wish with all of the creative things they did with the rest of the show, that they could have thought of something a little more creative for Donkey.

I agree with the last post. More creativity.

Also I found (at least what I saw at the Tony's) the book pretty redundant with the movie. Why not try some fresh material? Also Farquad's "Things are Looking Up Here" seemed your normal Broadway show-tune, which I suppose is appropriate for him, but I've been too spoiled by Mary Poppins and In The Heights.

I LOVED Shrek! My favorite part was the tap dancing mouse routine - it starts with homage to 42nd Street, then nods to A Chorus Line. Broadway jabs are everywhere. I laughed until I cried!

I'm really glad to read all of these positive reviews. I had been thinking to make this the first Broadway show for two of my little cousins and now I'm convinced it's the perfect one. They are 9 and 13 year old boys and they probably would never see a Broadway show, at least not in the foreseeable future, so I will make it my mission to take them to this one.

Ech, I still would recommend Mary Poppins to you. It's absolutely fantastic. Haven't seen Shreck, but I would battle to the death that Mary Poppins is better. Hope either one works out for you, and that your kids have a blast!

Poppins is a wonderful show.  Actually, they have a new Mary and Bert going into the show on Monday...AND they are introducing a new song instead of Temper, Temper.  I don't recall the name but it was first used in the Chicago production and now it is going in on Broadway.  If you've seen the show and enjoyed it, probably worth seeing it again.  As for Shrek, Andrew, I appreciate your devotion to Mary, but Shrek does deliver on its own and is a wonderful show--very funny, and great entertainment.  Check it out.

Oh that's interesting! I went to see the show the first time in, let's see, 2006? Saw the Cast A Mary, and the older Bert. This time, a couple months ago, I saw Catherine Brunnell. Fantastic. Best female performance I've ever seen live. Is she going to be the new Cast A?

Also I loved Temper, Temper. The first time I saw it, it was a bit clunky, but the second time it was smoothly choreographed. Can't wait to see what they come up with!

I saw both Mary Poppins and Shrek with my 9 year old daughter this summer and thought they were both wonderful. Loved how Poppins changed the story to fit the stage more. As for Shrek, I was thinking it would be a retread of the movie, but was genuinely surprised and pleased with it. Shrek is irreverent as always, but the touching parts really stood as well. I still find myself singing "Who I'd Be" 5 months later and misting from the sad and noble honesty of it. "When Words Fail" - an anthem for those of us who only hope our message gets through and our limitations overlooked. See it - you will be convinced this is more than kiddie fare.

When I first heard that they were making Shrek into a musical I died a little on the inside, I feel like Broadway is selling its soul to Hollywood, so to my surprise how much I like the show. I haven't seen the show, but its a CD that just sits on repeat at work. Sutton Foster is one of my favorite performers and I really like her as a choice for the role of Fiona. From what I have seen of costumes, etc. I really liked Pinocchio's the best it was kind of flawless. I really believe the musical brought the movie to life, and has enough similarities to not leave the original ideas but is able to elaborate more on the morals etc. The wide variety of musical numbers in this show is FANTASTIC really giving a broad spectrum of musical theatre styles. I think it is a show that everyone should at least go see and expeireince for themselves. It might not be the best thing ever to be put on Broadway, but it definetly is leaving it's mark.

I absolutely loved the show! I thought it was so funny, and I actually went back to see it again! It alluded to many other shows, and I think the music is great! It's a really fun show to watch. I was actually listening to the soundtrack today while making t-shirts for a pageant parade! I get goose bumps while listening to most of the songs, especially  "I know It's Today", "Who I'd Be", and "When Words Fail".  Brian d-Arcy James and Sutton Foster did an amazing job, as well as everyone else involved with the show.

Unlike many musicals, I still find myself going back to the Shrek music after a year. Kelsey mentioned some of the most touching songs. The show was witty, fast-paced and unexpectedly poignant. Don't know the next time I will run into this gem, but I would certainly like to see it again.

Dale,  I too am looking forward to seeing it again.  I heard that they cast the actor who played Barfee in SPELLING BEE as Shrek.  In any case, the tour is starting in Chicago--not sure where you are located, but take a look at this link to see when it might be in your area.  http://www.shrekthemusical.com/map.html  Hope this is helpful.

Anyone have an idea when the rights and royalties will be released???

I know the show is about to head out again on another "leg" of the national tour and it just opened in London. It may be some time...