“Shrek the Musical” makes its anticipated premiere at the Newport Performing Arts Theater starting October 31. The production, led by Full House Theater Company (FHTC) and presented by Newport World Resorts, brings to life the Broadway favorite with an all-Filipino cast and creative team.
During the official media launch held on August 13, cast and creatives gave audiences a taste of the heart, humor and high-energy performances that define this big green adventure.
At the center of the swamp is theater veteran Jamie Wilson, who takes on the role of Shrek in what he calls one of the most personal characters he has ever played.
“You know, before I shaved my goatee off and fixed my hair, I really looked like an ogre,” Jamie shared. “People would stay away from me, people would be like scared of me. But if they only knew… I’m a mamon, I’m a teddy bear.”
Though Shrek is known for his gruffness, Jamie sees past the green exterior and into the heart of a misunderstood outsider.
“I love this character because he is an everyman. He is an outcast by society just because he was born an ogre. He was told to leave his home and he had to fend for himself and basically find his own way through the world. And because of what everybody is telling him, how he should act, he realizes — no, I don’t have to be like that. I can be a hero, as can everybody else, if you so choose to be.”
He admitted that performing “Who I’d Be,” one of the musical’s emotional highlights, is a challenge in itself.
“It’s really hard to sing ‘Who I’d Be’ without crying. I think that’s only the second time I haven’t cried in the middle of the song because it’s so meaningful. If anybody can relate to it, everybody wants to be a hero — and you are a hero in your own story if only you can find an opportunity or find the courage to be a hero of your own story.”
Joining Jamie in the cast are Krystal Kane as Princess Fiona, Topper Fabregas as Donkey, Alfredo Reyes as Lord Farquaad and Julia Serad as the Dragon. Together with a vibrant ensemble of fairy tale creatures, they aim to bring a new energy to the beloved musical.
Topper, who plays Donkey, shared the pressure of portraying such an iconic role while still finding his own voice.
“The role is so iconic — it’s Eddie Murphy. A part of me is trying to figure out how to honor the original Eddie Murphy character but also infuse it with my own sense of humor,” he said. “So far I sound like Viola Davis,” he joked. “But it will find its way. We’ll get there.”
The Manila production is directed by Dexter M. Santos, with associate director Michael Stuart Williams, artistic director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, assistant director Cara Barredo and music director Ejay Yatco.
Director Dexter Santos teased some ambitious staging, especially when it comes to the dragon scene.
“There’s a chase scene there, and an escape scene. We’re really trying to do something different here, medyo mechanical. I hope it gets approved,” he said. “We want it to be really more dynamic. It’s not just funny, but exciting — theme park talaga. For me, the beauty of this show is most excited for the kids to see. When Shrek enters… that collective ‘Oh my god!’ That’s the magic.”
Based on the DreamWorks Animation film and the book by William Steig, “Shrek the Musical” features music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. The Manila staging is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), and all performance materials are provided by MTI.
As Newport World Resorts’ Chief Hospitality Officer John Lucas noted in his opening remarks, “Bringing the Broadway production to life by an all-Filipino cast and creative team, it is a world-class spectacle with a distinctly Filipino heart.”
“Shrek the Musical” tickets are available via TicketWorld, the Newport World Resorts Box Office and Helixpay, with prices ranging from P1,500 to P4,500. For inquiries, contact (02) 7908-8888 or email info@fhtcentertainment.com.
And if you’re still wondering who should watch the show, Fabregas put it simply: “Every person in the Philippines should watch ‘Shrek’.”
