kent state university at trumbull Talented cast, crew bring magic to stage with ‘Shrek the Musical’

By Eric McCrea

entertainment@vindy.com

Warren

After a dreary June, summer finally has arrived in the form of ogres, princesses and fairies. Kent State University at Trumbull’s Summer Stock brings the magic of “Shrek the Musical” to life for people of all ages.

Shrek, played by Joe Asente, is a big scary, smelly ogre, living peacefully alone in the swamp. When a crowd of fairy-tale characters arrives, after being banished from the kingdom by the diminutive Lord Farquaad (Rob Morris), Shrek is desperate to repair his solitude.

Farquaad will allow the “freaks” back into his kingdom only if Shrek agrees to save Princess Fiona, played by Sydney Olejnik, from a dragon-guarded tower. And, if you already didn’t know, there’s a talking Donkey.

From start to finish, this show is pure whimsical entertainment. In the opening number “Big Bright Beautiful World,” Jo Jo Arch and James Sheldon, as Shrek’s parents, set the bar high, and the rest of the cast is no disappointment.

Asente plays a humorous but introverted Shrek. Instead of relying on scary and gruff, Asente adds some depth to the ogre with vulnerability.

Morris is a fashionable laugh riot. He proves to be strong on his own and more than capable of leading show-stopping ensemble numbers such as “Ballad of Farquaad” and the endurance challenge that is “What’s Up, Duloc?”

As Dragon, Francine Parr is a vocal powerhouse. Her duet with Donkey, “Forever,” pays homage to Broadway classics, and Parr makes it look easy.

In the role of Fiona, Sydney Olejnik is sweet and quirky. Though proving capable in “This is How a Dream Comes True” with her younger counterparts Abby Morris and Alli Lagaras, her dulcet voice struggles to compete with the orchestra and castmates in “Who’d I Be.” However, this minor lacking does not take anything away from the impact of the first act’s closing number. During the second act, Olejnik redeems herself with Asente in “I Think I Got You Beat.”

The undeniable star of the evening was certainly James Major Burns’ Donkey. Polished and bursting with talent, Burns delivers a professional-level performance, elevating the entire show. He shines in numbers such as “Don’t Let Me Go,” “Travel Song” and “Make a Move.”

Another standout was Bryan Bennett’s Pinocchio. In a show filled with hefty featured roles, Bennett cannot be ignored.

An impeccable ensemble featured prominently in some of the best numbers of “Shrek,” such as “Story of My Life,” “The Goodbye Song” and “Freak Flag.” Notable company players include Sarah Ferguson as Gingy, Murphy Sharp as Witch, Matt Smetana as Wolf and Rachel Loughman as Sugar Plum Fairy.

Director/choreographer Renee Johntony worked wonders with this cast. Though many of the actors are youthful, the finished product is amusing across the board. Though the choreography was not terribly challenging, it was full of energy at every beat.

The entire event gained production value with complex and detailed costumes designed by Brian Palumbo and great lighting designed by Leslie Brown. An intriguing and fun set designed by Tony E. Kovacic completed the experience.

“Shrek the Musical” runs Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and today and next Sunday at 3 p.m. For reservations, call 330-675-8887.