A fairytale for all ages: ‘Shrek The Musical’ celebrates the freak in everyone

Get ready to step into a world where fairytales get a hilarious, heartwarming twist! An all-Filipino staging of the beloved Broadway hit, 'Shrek The Musical', is set to transform the Newport Performing Arts Theater into an enchanting swamp this October. This much-anticipated production promises to be an ogre-sized spectacle for audiences of all ages.

Fans will recall the original 2001 DreamWorks animated film, a cultural phenomenon that redefined fairytale norms. It introduced us to Shrek, an unlikely hero who found family and acceptance in his muddy wetlands, proving that even outsiders can be heroes. The film’s clever humor, pop culture references, and unique romance quickly cemented its status as a cult classic.

Now, the Full House Theater Company (FHTC) is bringing that same magic and conviction to the stage. Opening on October 31, director Dexter Santos and his talented all-Filipino cast envision the theater not as an escape from the world, but as a vibrant space where everyone truly belongs, echoing the film’s powerful message of inclusivity.

The musical features a stellar lineup, with Jamie Wilson as the titular Shrek, Krystal Kane as Fiona, Topper Fabregas as Donkey, Alfredo Reyes as Lord Farquaad, and Julia Serad as Dragon. This cast, largely selected through open auditions, is set to deliver a performance that embraces grand spectacle while diving deep into the story's poignant themes of exile, prejudice, and the formation of chosen families.

Jamie Wilson himself shared his connection to Shrek, noting, "He’s been outcast by society just because he was born an ogre. He realizes that, ‘No, I don’t have to be like that.’ I can be a hero, and so can everybody else should you choose to be." This sentiment resonates strongly in the Philippines, as Marvin Ong, Donkey's understudy, highlighted: "In the Philippines, there are many people who are ostracized or are looked differently on whether it’s because of their sexuality, their appearance, their social status. Everybody wants to belong."

Director Dexter Santos promises a visual feast, including an "extensive dragon scene," as part of his ambitious "theme park" blocking approach. With a massive 47-member cast gracing the Newport stage, the creative team, including artistic director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and associate director Michael Stuart Williams, is designing for an unforgettable, immersive experience. Lauchengco-Yulo explained, "We really need to make it also very visually stimulating for the children. Because the material is a little bit adult, so it might just go over their heads."

This 2025 production continues the legacy of 'Shrek The Musical', which first premiered on Broadway in 2008. Much like the film, the musical has captivated audiences worldwide with its blend of witty fairytale parody, heartfelt ballads, and larger-than-life characters that defy traditional hero archetypes.

The show's brilliance shines through David Lindsay-Abaire’s clever lyrics and Jeanine Tesori’s genre-bending music, delivering iconic songs from the triumphant "Who I’d Be" and the yearning "I Know It’s Today" to the joyfully rebellious "Freak Flag" and a lively rendition of The Monkees’ "I’m A Believer." Coupled with high-energy choreography and quick-fire comedic timing, the stage transforms into a living swamp, promising a design rich in color, movement, and childlike wonder, all while keeping the story's core message intact.

The musical’s famous line, "ogres have layers," takes on deeper meaning in Santos’ production. Associate director Michael Stuart Williams describes the show as "wildly funny, heartwarming, and visually spectacular," emphasizing its power to reveal "something real and relatable" beneath the slapstick. This relatability stems from its diverse ensemble of misfit fairytale creatures, who collectively redefine belonging. Associate director Cara Barredo further clarifies the production's stance, assuring that the "freaks" won't be treated as punchlines, but rather showcased authentically, honoring their truth.

In the Filipino context, these themes gain even sharper resonance. Belonging here isn't solely emotional; it's intricately tied to societal norms and expectations. The swamp in 'Shrek The Musical' becomes a powerful mirror, reflecting a society where acceptance can often hinge on conformity, and where finding genuine sanctuary becomes both a fragile and vital endeavor. Don't miss your chance to experience this magical journey: 'Shrek The Musical' runs from October 31 to November 17 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, with tickets available via Ticketworld, Newport World Resorts Box Office, and Helixpay.