Theater Review: 'Shrek the Musical' by Pomperaug Theatre Company

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

Pomperaug Theatre Company and Music Department will present the fun “Shrek The Musical” this weekend on the stage in their large auditorium.

“Shrek” is of course based on the Dreamworks Animation motion picture that was based on the children’s book by William Steig. The musical version has a book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music written by Jeanine Tesori.The final “I’m a Believer” was written by Neil Diamond.

Pomperaug teacher Madge O’Toole proudly directs a fairy tale that she can believe in. Unlike many traditional fairy tales, this story recognizes that “true love comes from someone who can love all the parts of us–not just the beautiful ones. This musical beautifully highlights not only the awkward or ugly parts of ourselves, but also the need for our differences in order to find true happiness.” The rejected “freaks,” the beloved fairy tale creatures, let their “Freak Flag” flag fly and help the abused and reclusive Shrek to fight for real love.

Over 100 students are involved in their spring production. They acknowledge the opportunity that they had to work with celebrity and sculptor Jerry Torre to build the dragon. The stage managers senior Sophia Ltaif and Madi Ferguson shouldered the task of creating the large puppet with Torre’s guidance, as well as the guidance of art teacher Florin Firimita.

The director also reminds those that come to see the show that everything from the pre-show video to the printed program was designed and created by Pomperaug students. She also gratefully acknowledges the support of parents, grandparents, teachers, staff, administration, and Board of Education member Tom Marks.

The large cast works together well, supporting each other throughout the two acts. Pomperaug senior Henry Marks dons the green ears and makeup to take on the title character in his final show at the high school. He sings well as he brings the ogre to life with a touch of charm. Addison Batoon, also a senior, is the feisty adult Fiona. The actress is a wonderful singer who brings out all of the comedy in her role. Sara Gilchrist plays the Young Fiona (and others) and Addison Evans covers the Teen Fiona (and others) for “I Know It's Today.”

Xavier Chu seems to enjoy every minute of bringing the character of Shrek’s “noble steed,” Donkey to hysterical life. Jose Critelli takes on the role of the “vertically challenged” Lord Farquaad with broad comedy. Stevie Bennett magnificently sings the role of the Dragon in “Forever,” as well as playing Pig 3.

“Shrek” has a wealth of roles for the ensemble members and the students adopt them with great costumes and plenty of attitude. Junior Isabella Yost is the voice of Gingy and an Elf. Alice Sugden plays the “real boy” Pinocchio (played on Broadway by John Tartaglia) and Gabe Walker is the Big Bad Wolf. Sets of ensemble members dance as Happy People, Duloc citizens, Knights, Rats, and Blind Mice in brightly colored costumes.

Among the adult “designers” listed in the program are Musical Director Rachel Sloane and Pit Director John Tzetzo. The orchestra sounded so wonderful for the overture that it could almost be mistaken for a track recorded by professional musicians. Of course, there is nothing like having a live orchestra for a high school musical production that is completely made up of students. Thank you to the 17 students for sitting in the pit to musically support their classmates. Jeanne Hawley served as the show’s producer and Nick Napoli served as construction advisor.

Kudos to the students that worked behind the scenes to design this production. Choreographers Addison Batoon and senior Ada Llabani helped the students to dance well together, especially for the tapping in “Morning Person” Brookelynn Bennett, Will Bradshaw, Emily Manzo and Gaige Scherer worked as the set designers and Amanda Pistawka designed the adorable costumes with Amelie Jose in charge of the important makeup design. My former castmate, PHS sophomore Isabelle Winer, sports a great furry brown costume as Mama Bear.

This is a tech heavy show that will all come together before opening night. Lighting by Eli Hornberger and Samuel Morais designed the good lighting and Rachel Anderson and Colton Lorensen were in charge of the sound design. It is always great to see the crew members come to the stage to take a bow with the cast.

The performance is preceded by a great video of the cast and crew in rehearsal, with a special focus on the senior class members. I always love trying to pick out the students that I know.

“It's a Big Bright Beautiful World” at Pomperaug High School, with performances this weekend only. This is a kid-friendly show that is fun for all ages. Shows are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets at onthestage.tickets/show/pomperaug-theatre-company

All photos courtesy of Avalynn Husk.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the newspaper.
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