An all-Filipino creative team is taking center stage in Newport World Resorts’ highly anticipated production of “Shrek The Musical,” infusing the Broadway hit with local artistry, experience, and flair.
At the helm is director and choreographer Dexter M. Santos, a leading figure in contemporary Philippine theater, known for “Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical” and other acclaimed productions. Santos brings his signature movement-based storytelling to “Shrek”, reimagining the beloved story through a uniquely Filipino lens.
He is joined by Michael Williams, associate director and co-artistic director of Full House Theater Company. A veteran of both local and international stages — including the original West End production of “Miss Saigon” — Williams adds depth and global perspective to the staging.
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, widely regarded as the “First Lady of Philippine Musical Theater,” serves as artistic director. With a stage career spanning decades and iconic roles from “Evita” to “Into the Woods,” her involvement ensures the production’s emotional and artistic fidelity.
Musical direction is led by Ejay Yatco, a multi-awarded composer and pianist known for blending contemporary energy with classical training. The music will be performed by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra under Mickey Jacinto’s baton.
Choreographer Stephen Viñas, a Gawad Buhay awardee, lends a dynamic physicality to the production, creating a movement vocabulary that captures the show’s humor and heart — all with a distinctly Filipino touch.
Rooted in the original DreamWorks Animation film and William Steig’s book, “Shrek The Musical” features music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. The production opens at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on October 31, with additional shows in November.
