Shrek the Musical: a delightful escape at new Milkwood Theatre

With an abundance of doom and gloom around us, it is fabulous to be part of a fearless display of reckless optimism: the opening of a brand-new theatre in the suburbs, and the staging of a happy feel-good musical with a huge cast of great kids.

Cancel therapy and stop doom scrolling to revel in a few hours of unadulterated delight in the company of a grumpy ogre, a feisty princess, a chatty donkey, a fiery dragon and a frolic of fairytale friends in Shrek the Musical. 

Young Performers Project (YPP) is continually one of the city’s brightest beacons with a slew of brilliant productions to its name. In recent years, its collaboration with ISPA (International School of Performing Arts) is inspired – adding another level of talent and experience into the mix.

The winning recipe is – a top-notch production team of experts; a professional cast member (this time the ever-dependable Lyle Buxton); post matric aspirant performing arts students and a cast of primary and high school learners from a variety of schools who have auditioned to be part of the YPP company.

The result is a highly professional production, with a multi-generational cast and excellent production standards.

Shrek the Musical is the delightful, charming and hugely funny West End musical adaptation of the Dreamworks smash hit film. It is an excellent choice for YPP– its large ensemble cast of 36 kids, allows for plenty of moments for each of the children to shine.

The character roles were all excellent. With just the right amount of familiarity referencing the much-loved animated movie, while still adding their own interpretation of their characters. And all of their international accents were spot on!

Motor-mouthed Donkey (James Armstrong) did a great job harnessing his inner Eddie Murphy; Lord Farquaad (Damien Butt) has perfected the haughty head toss and throw-away lines while shuffling around on his knees; Pinocchio (Matthew Brown), in his pink crocs, was great fun with his ever-growing proboscis and squeaky voice; and the tall and imposing Daniel Mayiza was a hoot as the Big Bad Wolf.

I was particularly impressed by Gingy – the Gingerbread wo/man. Anele Mtshali has an amazing confident voice and great presence, as do all the Fionas. There are three Princess Fionas per show (and alternating casts) representing young Fiona, teenage Fiona and adult Fiona. They were great together in their joint show stopping number, “I Know It’s Today”. Chloe Marot as adult Fiona is just lovely – just the right mix of feisty and vulnerable.

Buxton reprises the titular role which won him the Durban Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Musical in KickstArt’s sublime SA premiere exactly a decade ago. As a drama teacher, parent, and experienced performer, he is the perfect choice to work alongside the youthful cast as professional performer and mentor.

I had forgotten how many really great songs there were in the show. One remembers the finale “I’m a Believer” which ends the production with a big feel-good finish, but I had forgotten the beautiful ballads and rousing choruses in between.

Well done production team: Des Govender as production manager and musical director; Lisa Bobbert McIlroy as director and set designer; Evashnee Pillay who has taught the cast some really great moves as choreographer; Anthony Govender as sound designer and engineer and Kathy and Dominic Singery for costumes and sets.

And to Liesl Coppin, the staff and students of the new 290-seater Milkwood Theatre at Danville Park Girl’s High School – your leap of faith and commitment to the performing arts by investing in a professional new theatre space is extraordinary. The arts community salutes you.

• Booking for Shrek the Musical is through Webtickets with performances on May 2, 3 and 4.

THE MERCURY