Review: Shrek The Musical

Review: Shrek The Musical  | Pace Center | Parker, CO | Curtain Up! | Eric Fitzgerald

At the Pace Center in Parker, CO, Shrek The Musical arrives with a high voltage and sure-footed stride—presented by Parker Arts, created in partnership with Sasquatch Productions, and supported by Lutheran High School and Denver Language School. What unfolds feels like a production stepping fully into its moment, guided by Kelly McAllister’s commanding direction, buoyed by Heather Westenskow’s expressive choreography, and refined by Tanner Kelly’s musical direction and sound design. All together, they give the evening its heartbeat, its polish, and its unmistakable theatrical lift.

Shrek The Musical has a rich Broadway history, having played from December 2008 to January 2010. With book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori—both excellent at blending humor with emotional depth—the show is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film and William Steig’s original 1990 book Shrek!.

The stellar creative team, cast and crew of Shrek the Musical

The plot begins with Shrek (Cooper Kaminsky), an ogre who wants nothing more than to be left alone in his swamp—until Lord Farquaad (Will Bryant) drops off an entire brigade of fairy-tale refugees on his lawn. Determined to regain his solitude, Shrek sets out to confront the pint-sized tyrant, followed by Donkey (Mosés Brown), who never stops talking. Farquaad sends them on a rescue mission to save Princess Fiona (Libby Shull) from a tower guarded by Dragon (Thurzday), who has little patience and a surprisingly strong romantic streak. What follows is a rescue story that keeps stumbling over its own expectations, revealing that Fiona isn’t the damsel anyone expected, and Farquaad is even stranger up close. Ironically, Shrek might be the only one in the kingdom who doesn’t realize he’s in a fairy tale.

Cooper Kaminsky delivers a Shrek of remarkable dimensions, the kind of performance that confirms just how expansive their range has become. Having seen their recent work in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Sweeney Todd, it’s striking to watch them pivot so confidently into this role, bringing a blend of vocal power, physical agility, and sharply tuned comic instinct. Kaminsky’s Shrek is entirely inhabited—funny, grounded, and unexpectedly moving—and the way they navigate the singing, the movement, and the emotional beats reveals an artist whose versatility is becoming a hallmark of their work. Bravo!

Cooper Kaminsky as Shrek | Tracy Doty Photography

Standouts in the production include Mosés Brown as Donkey, Thurzday as Dragon, and Libby Shull as Fiona. Brown brings Donkey to life with a riotous blend of charm, timing, and vocal bravado that keeps the audience leaning in for more. Thurzday’s Dragon is a powerhouse presence, delivering vocals that shake the rafters of the Pace Center and a persona that’s equal parts danger and diva. Shull offers a Fiona with real dimension—funny, fiery, and emotionally grounded—balancing the character’s contradictions with ease and wit. And keep an eye out for the near life‑size dragon that appears on stage during the second act—a true scene‑stealer.

Will Bryant, as the diminutive Lord Farquaad, is hilariously charming from the moment he appears, using both his tiny stature and his clever interpretation of the role to deliver joke after joke with precision. His performance is a joyful display of theatrical exaggeration, and the audience responds to every beat.

The large ensemble exudes a delightful charm throughout the evening, effortlessly shifting between a variety of roles with wit and enthusiasm. Drawn from the world of fractured fairy tales, each performer brings a unique spark that keeps the stage vibrant with personality and surprises. They confidently meet the musical challenges of the production, and their dance work is performed with smooth, lively precision that elevates every number.

The score shows impressive elasticity, shifting from broad comedy to emotional candor with ease. The musical numbers give the cast ample room to showcase both character and craft. For example, Lord Farquaad’s “What’s Up, Duloc?” bursts with gleeful pomp, Dragon and Donkey’s “Forever” unleashes a blast of soulful fire, and Shrek’s “Build a Wall” lands with unexpected emotional force. Backing all of this is an exquisite nine‑piece orchestra, conducted by Collin Sinclair, that provides a vibrant musical foundation, enriching the entire performance.

Kelly McAllister’s direction gives the production its backbone, shaped by a clear vision that’s both confident and deeply tuned into the individual characters. He weaves the show’s humor, heart, and spectacle into a cohesive whole, ensuring every moment—whether a broad comic beat or a quiet emotional turn—hits with purpose. His staging keeps the story moving intentionally, balancing big‑scale theatricality with intimate, actor‑focused detail. Under his guidance, the production feels energized and fully aware of the emotional truth that lies beneath the fairy‑tale chaos.

The production’s visual world deserves recognition, starting with Jeffrey Rusnak’s expansive scenic design, which gives the story both scale and flexibility—excellent work that anchors the evening. Julie Snow’s costumes provide sharp character definition and a playful sense of invention, enriching every character on stage. Jenna Gragg’s lighting adds shape, mood, and momentum, guiding the audience’s eye with finesse that elevates each scene. At the same time, Tanner Kelly’s sound design deepens the atmosphere with clarity and musicality that subtly but unmistakably enhances the production’s overall quality.

What ultimately remains is the strong sense of unity in Shrek The Musical—confident direction, lively choreography, well-crafted musical performances, and a cast that performs with harmony, energy, and generosity, elevating every moment. At the heart of it all is Cooper Kaminsky’s commanding performance as Shrek, a role that grounds the production with humor, heart, and emotional clarity. This show welcomes audiences from older kids to adults, offering warmth, laughter, and a bright burst of theatrical joy just when these gloomy winter months need it most.

For information and tickets: https://parkerarts.org/event/shrek-the-musical/