Review: Shrek Jr The Musical is monstrous fun

Justyce Moala plays Shrek in Shrek Jr The Musical.

WHAT: Shrek Jr The Musical
WHERE: Casa Blanca Theatre, Riri St
WHEN: September 1-16

Anyone who goes to Shrek The Musical Jr thinking the stage is set for just another school play will leave the theatre gobsmacked.

The host of youngsters that director Natasha Benfell cast for this show have talent by the bucket load. With ages ranging from the very young to the mid teens these 'Shreksters' remind us what theatre is all about.

That's performers having theatrical fun to give the audience the entertainment they've come for.

Huge admiration must go to the adults who've worked so hard from the start of the rehearsal period to the full-blown show; undoubtedly their patience must have been tried at times, but the discipline and stage presence they've instilled in their charges calls for a standing ovation.

As for the kids, what can one say other than 'bravo, bravo, bravo, you're all amazing".

The Shrek story may be a modern movieland fairytale but at its heart is a plot as old as fables themselves.

An ugly ogre's deputed by a lovelorn wanna-be prince, Lord Farquaad, to fetch him the princess bride of his dreams, long imprisoned in a tower.

The quest he sends Shrek (Justyce Moala) on, accompanied by the donkey (Logan Potae) that befriends him, is full of twists and turns with story book characters popping up all over the place.

What a wonderful job wardrobe's done replicating them.

Moala, with his adopted Scottish accent, is a Shrek older players would be proud to emulate.

Plaudits to Michael Ryan for his pint-sized Farquaad, played almost entirely on his knees.
With his well-delivered wisecracks Potae's Donkey is a laugh-a-minute.

Azrael Hansen's Princess Fiona is another whose casting is well rewarded.

The Duloc Choir, consisting solely of littlies, is a delight. There can be no doubt such an all-round accomplished ensemble's set the seal on a fine future for theatre in this city.