The beloved green ogre has officially taken over the stage at the Newport Performing Arts Theater as Shrek the Musical makes its grand run from October to November. Based on DreamWorks’ 2001 animated hit, the production brings to life the charm, humor, and heart of the original film, now with an all-Filipino cast that truly does justice to the global favorite.
Shrek has long been a classic, known for its wit and humor, particularly for how it cleverly pokes fun at the fairy tales we grew up with. As a fan of both the franchise and the musical, watching it live was nothing short of thrilling, and it felt even more special because of the impressive local production.
My biggest question before the show began was how the execution would compare to the international version. Having watched Shrek the Musical online, I knew it was a massive production, and I tried to keep my expectations realistic, knowing how challenging it could be to recreate that kind of spectacle locally. But from the very first scene, I was utterly blown away.
From the makeup and costumes to the detailed stage setups and lighting design, everything was done with great care and creativity. The moment Shrek’s swamp house appeared, I immediately thought, ‘hindi tinipid.’ Every element reflected hard work, passion, and commitment, the kind of high-quality Filipino audiences truly deserve.
Jamie Wilson as Shrek was a natural fit for the role. He embodied the lovable ogre perfectly, from the voice to the walk and even the smallest mannerisms. His accent was spot-on, which made the performance feel like an international production staged right here in Manila.
Krystal Kane shone as Princess Fiona. Her performance of ‘I Know It’s Today’ with the young Fionas was heartfelt and mesmerizing. It felt as if the character was made for confident, quirky, and strong-willed, all while keeping Fiona’s charm intact.
Meanwhile, Topper Fabregas as Donkey brought boundless energy and comedic timing that kept the audience laughing from start to finish. His delivery captured the sass and humor of Eddie Murphy’s original portrayal while adding a fresh, local flair that made the character even more endearing.
Another standout was Alfredo Reyes as Lord Farquaad, one of the most iconic and meme-worthy characters in pop culture. His entrance alone drew cheers, and his performance-singing and dancing on his knees for most of the show-was nothing short of impressive. He handled the physical comedy of the role with such flair and dedication that it was impossible not to applaud his efforts.
The ensemble cast also deserves high praise. From Gingy and Pinocchio to the Three Little Pigs, the Fairy Godmother, the Witch, the Big Bad Wolf, the Ugly Duckling, and Humpty Dumpty, each performer brought their own spark to the stage. Together, they filled every scene with color, energy, and personality.
And then there was the Dragon, a true show-stopper. Her grand entrance, combined with Julia Serad’s powerful vocals, brought the house down. The moment she appeared, the crowd erupted in awe. Serad’s charisma and commanding stage presence made her performance unforgettable.
One aspect that made this production stand out was its high level of interactivity and immersion. Seeing Shrek and Donkey walk around and engage with the audience brought the story closer to everyone, especially the kids, who couldn’t help but squeal in delight every time a character came near.
The choreography was another highlight. Numbers like ‘Story of My Life’ showcased the ensemble’s impressive synchronization and strong vocals. It felt like hearing the Broadway soundtrack come to life, vibrant and full of energy.
A Must-Watch Production
Overall, Shrek the Musical at Newport Theater is a triumph. It stays faithful to the international version while adding its own albeit subtle Filipino twist, a fresh and exciting flavor that makes it uniquely ours. Every aspect of the show, from the set design to the performances, demonstrates how far local theater has come and how it continues to reach world-class standards.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Shrek or seeing the story for the first time, this production has something for everyone. It’s nostalgic yet new, hilarious yet heartfelt, and reminds us of the importance of friendship, acceptance, and embracing who we truly are.
Shrek the Musical runs at the Newport Performing Arts Theater from October to December 2025, and it’s definitely a must-see for families, theater lovers, and fans of the beloved ogre. Get your tickets now and prepare to laugh, sing, and fall in love all over again with Shrek and his swamp friends.