Theater Review: 'Shrek The Musical' at Cabaret on Main

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

Cabaret on Main Theater/Broadway on Main Theatre Company has filled their fabulous space with an immersive production of DreamWorks “Shrek The Musical.” The funny and uplifting musical features a book by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori.

Neil Fuentes directs this talented cast as well as being in the charge of projection, set and lighting design. Somehow Fuentes manages to do all of these things extremely well at the same time. His work on the massive projections that surround the stage and the audience space is what makes this performance so immersive.

The director notes that “Shrek isn’t just a hilarious, feel-good fairy tale–it’s a story about acceptance, identity, and the beauty of embracing what makes us unique.” Fuentes adds that this message is at the heart of everything they do at the Broadway on Main company. “Our mission is to use the power of live theater to uplift, inspire, and empower–especially the next generation of performers.”

Kyle Riedinger, the talented performer who is a CCSU graduate, leads the cast in the role of the green ogre. Devont’e Campbell is a delight to watch in the role of Shrek’s “noble steed” sidekick Donkey. Grace McGovern sings extremely well in the role of the feisty Princess Fiona. All three bring out the beloved comedic elements of their characters with gusto, and “Who I’d Be” is a highlight.

Nick Rapuano shines in the kneeling role of Lord Farquaad, who has “Daddy issues.” Lil Parady sings the heck out of the role of the besotted Dragon and also covers the part of Mama Bear.

Everyone in the ensemble embraces their well-known fairy tale characters in wonderfully made costumes. Taylor Dunn is a dancer in the ensemble that steps up to play the lying Pinocchio and Theresa Moscato gets the fun role of the Wicked Witch. Marty Garcia shines as the Mad Hatter, King Harold, the Pied Piper and the Bishop. Jaqueline White, Summer Small and Gabriella Parache dance as the Three Blind Mice in great black fringed dresses. Paige Lawner sings beautifully as the Teen Fiona, and also plays Gingy, Sugar Plum Fairy, a Dulocian and a Rat. Abigail Costello and Audrey Lenington share the roles of the Young Fiona, Young Shrek and Young Elsa and Anna.

The production team includes Edwin Rodriguez as music director, who helped aloof the singers sound their best with the musical tracks. Gina Helland, assisted by T’Asia Newton, worked on the joy-filled choreography and supervised all of the colorful and rich-looking costumes for all of the fairy tale characters. Scott Towers and the Branford High School Performing Arts, as well as Connor Deane and Black Rock Theater generously donated the Shrek costumes. My favorites were the tall look for the dragon and anything with a royal theme. The well-known make up is done by Juliana Vaiuso. Don’t miss the clever props by Lisa Costello, Shauna Denecke and Tracey Harding, who also work at the crew.

Billy DiCrosta rides herd over the show as its producer. There are a few nods to area icons like Tweed Airport. Thanks to the generous support of Orange Rotary Club and New England Performance Insulation, the company hosted students from John C. Daniels, Co-Op, and East Haven High School for a free preview performance and exclusive meet and greet with the cast on Thursday evening.

Come celebrate “the beautifully weird and wonderfully different” at this thoroughly enjoyable production in East Haven. I had a great time experiencing this production of “Shrek” at a preview performance with an energized group of young people. The performance is presented in two acts with one intermission that will offer a 50/50 raffle and runs about two and a half hours. Both cabaret seating and traditional rows are offered.

Show Dates & Times: FRI: 4/25, 5/2, 5/9 @ 7PM, SAT: 4/26 (7PM only), 5/3 & 5/10 @ 2PM & 7PM, SUN: 4/27, 5/4, 5/11 @ 2PM. Tickets at cabaret-on-main.com.