-Jamie Flowers
photo by cyorkphoto
Shrek the Musical had an incredible one night only stop in Wilmington, Delaware at the Playhouse on Rodney Square this Tuesday and it was fantastic! Fans filled the theater with homemade Shrek and Princess Fiona costumes and prepared to “fall in love all ogre again!”
Shrek the Musical, based on the 2001 DreamWorks animated film, features music by Jeanine Tesori (Kimberly Akimbo, Fun Home) with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire (Kimberly Akimbo, Rabbit Hole). It is approximately 2.5 hours long with a 15 min break and appropriate for most ages. I brought my 4 year old and she loved it! She was laughing out loud and dancing in her seat to the music.
This is a super fun musical, especially for a younger audience, but has plenty of outstanding vocals, adult humor and great energy to entertain the whole family. Starring Nicholas Hambruch as Shrek and Cecily Dionne Davis as Princess Fiona, the message is spread that the power of faith will always triumph over the fear of the unknown. Other memorable case members include Naphtali Yaakov Curry as Donkey, Timmy Lewis as Lord Farquaad, Tori Kocher as the Dragon/ Captain of the Guard, Jamie Brown as Pinocchio/ Dulocian, Kelly Prendergast as the Sugar Plum Fairy/ Gingy/ Dulocian, and Katherine Paladichuk as Peter Pan/ Teen Fiona/ Dulocian. “Story of My Life” and “Freak Flag” were my favorite songs to see performed live and they showcased the entire cast.
Unfortunately, Shrek the Musical was only in Wilmington for one night and it isn’t coming to Philadelphia this season or next (but you can see it in Easton the State Theatre on June 12th and 13th). We sometimes forget that Wilmington is so close- Septa and Amtrak will get you there quickly, and walking distance to the theatre. The town has so much to offer, but for more than 140 years, the Grand Opera House has been providing the Delaware Valley with live entertainment and it recently added National Broadway Tours to an already impressive lineup. The Playhouse on Rodney Square is going to have an incredible 2024-2025 Broadway Season with Tina the Musical in October, Mean Girls thein November, The Cher Show in January, Sutton Foster live in February, Dear Evan Hansen in April and Hadestown in May. So hurry up, get your tickets and get yourself to Wilmington, Delaware.
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