Shrek the Musical: A larger than life crowd-pleaser

Kids of all ages are enchanted by the story of a belching green ogre with a song in his heart who saves the land from an evil lord and rescues a lovely princess from a terrible fate, but this is no ordinary fairy tale.

In this “upside-down” fairy tale produced by the Waimea Community Theater, beauty is in the eye of the ogre.

In a faraway kingdom, Shrek (Rick Turnbow) feels so rejected and feared that he secludes himself in a swamp. His solitude is invaded by fairy tale misfits banished from home by the tiny terror with big ambitions, the evil Lord Farquaad. Playfully, the quick-witted Donkey (Clem Lam), a Big Bad Wolf (Brian Thomas), Three Little Pigs and Three Blind Mice (Kari Waldhaus, Pam Harsh and Rona Lee) and a bevy of bedtime-story archetypes from childhood give the fable a whimsical twist of adult-themed humor.

“Shrek the Musical” moves at a fast pace, blending moments of intimate connection with a spectacular blend of road-show escapade, romance, plot reversals, oversize puppets, aerial dance thrills and sublime, toe-tapping music.

Directed by Rhonda Simon, the cast includes Simon’s husband, Baptist pastor Kurt Simon, playing the dwarf villain Farquaad. It requires him to wear knee pads and walk around on his knees when on stage. One of the Simons’ five sons, Eaen, 7, plays Little Shrek as well as the Grumpy Dwarf, Farquaad’s father.

So, in perfect upside-down fashion, the director’s son winds up playing his dad’s father in the play. With 54 of Waimea’s finest adult and child actors, singers and dancers in the ensemble, it’s inevitable the show would be a family affair.

When Alex Disney as the beautiful Princess Fiona sings “I Know It’s Today” with her Young and Teen Selves, the pitch-perfect harmonies inspire awe, a tribute to the musical direction of Barbara Kopra. Songs like “Freak Flag” ask you to fly your vivid colors even when your hues are unique. “I Think I Got You Beat” elevates competitive complaining to laugh-out-loud hilarity and “I’m a Believer” defeats doubts as comically as Shrek defeats the evil prince.

Based on the DreamWorks motion picture and the book by William Steig, the production appeals to everyone. If you think you’ve seen the movie and there’s nothing new here, think again.

“There’s something special about seeing live theater,” said Rhonda Simon. “It’s a creative expression of people working collaboratively. People are going to know their neighbors and, a lot of times, you don’t know they have these skills. You didn’t know they could sing, dance and act.”

The audience becomes a part of the ohana, a family of creative expression, she adds. “It’s also the unknown. Every show is different.”

“Shrek” Producer and Waimea Community Theatre President Dan Bal wears many hats on and off stage, playing King Harold, a guard and a knight in the show.

Crediting the entire cast with outstanding performances, he says, “Everyone here is volunteer. No one is paid.”

WCT has entertained Hawaii Island since 1964 with nearly 200 local programs. In 50 years, they’ve performed comedies, dramas, musicals, choral concerts, classical theater, staged readings, variety shows, one-acts and stand-up comedy.

“I think we’re the second-oldest theater company in the state,” said Bal.

The Waimea Community Theatre’s presentation of “Shrek the Musical” is sponsored in part by Lee Farms, Kimi White of Rainbow Properties, UPS Store of Waimea, and Crossfit Allstar.

Tickets for the shows at Kahilu Theatre in the Parker Ranch Shopping Center are $30/$20/$15 and can be purchased at www.kahilutheatre.org. Half-priced tickets are available for children 12 and younger.

Shows are at 7 p.m. on Aug. 20, 21 and 22 at Kahilu. The Aug. 23 showing is at 3:00 PM.

On Aug. 29, at 4 p.m., a special performance will be offered at Honokaa People’s Theatre. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for kids. They can be purchased at Taro Patch Gifts in Honokaa and at the door.

For more information, visit www.waimeacommunitytheatre.org or call 885-7660.