MVCCT performs Shrek

Dancing sunflowers, little german piggies, a pretty-pretty princess, and… an ogre? MVCCT’s production of Shrek the Musical is not your average fairy tale, putting a quirky twist on the original Dreamworks movie of the same name. This musical comedy shows a multitude of crazy characters from the eccentric oddball ensemble of fairytale characters that your children will recognize, to a crass donkey with humor for parents, it works. But "Shrek the Musical" is more than a feel-good children's story with a twist: it digs deep into our inner mush to find out where inner beauty lies and how we recognize our self-worth.

Based on the 90’s children book by William Steigs and the Oscar-winning movie; Shrek the Musical opened in 2008 on Broadway. Shrek tells the story of a pre-judged ogre, bitter at the world trying to keep the peace and solitude that he’s found when outcasts barge in on his swamp due to the orders of perfectionist Lord Farquaad. Lord Farquaad, wanting the best life for himself is in search for a princess to legitimize his kingdom. He finds the perfect bride in Princess Fiona, forging a deal with Shrek -the swamp for a wife. When rescuing Fiona, Shrek finds an unexpected friendship and maybe more after seeing past his bitterness.

Aidan White led the cast as Shrek, truly embodying the nasty green creature with every interaction he had on stage including with Donkey (Avery Johnson.) This duo contrasted each other in such dramatic ways, making it seem like the characters would never get along, to then show us that opposites really do attract. One big standout that had the crowd cheering was the perfect villain of the story, Lord Farquaad (Brevan Collins.) The vertically-challenged ruler was manically evil and egotistical showing his rude mannerisms at every turn. The best part about his character was the costuming designed by a large list of talented women. This costuming team genuinely outdid themselves with every costume, broadcasting the cuteness of the little kids and making the older ones look their best.

In this multifaceted tale, nothing is as it seems. Layers of defense mechanisms are broken down forcing everyone to conquer their fears once and for all. Learning love themselves and others for what’s inside, not preconceived notions. In this big, bright, beautiful world of theatre, Mount Vernon Children’s Community Theatre brings Shrek The Musical to life, in a playfully whimsical show for the whole family to enjoy. MVCCT will continue their run of Shrek the Musical until November 18 at Bryant Alternative High School. Tickets are $14 and can be purchased either online at https://www.mvcct.org or at the door one hour prior to curtain.