Shrek - CM Performing Arts Center | 11.1.25

CM Performing Arts Center is currently presenting the family-friendly Broadway hit “Shrek the Musical” based on the 2001 Dreamworks movie. The musical features a book and lyrics written by David Lindsay-Abaire with music by Jeanine Tesori (the same team that developed the Tony-award winning “Kimberly Akimbo”) which adds some validity to what others might see as a children’s show. Shrek is essentially about acceptance and finding your true self, told via the story of a reclusive ogre whose swamp has been overrun by a myriad of fairytale creatures and his quest to banish them and return to solitude - but along the way, he makes a new friend in Donkey and meets Princess Fiona.

That is *quite* literally the most brief synopsis of this story but…don’t we all know it anyway?!

Leading the charge as Shrek is CM veteran James O’Connor in what may be my favorite performance of his to date! I had a great time watching him - he was funny, energetic, and his comedic timing was spot on. Comedy is just one of those ‘things’; even with great direction (that I’m sure he got from Director Anthony Arpino) there are certain things that can’t be taught and timing is one of them. The chemistry between Shrek, Donkey (Eli Andrews) and Princess Fiona (Cassie Friedman) was equally fantastic. It felt as if they all performed together multiple times before! It was no surprise to see Andrews excel as Donkey and I dare you not to smile as he and O’Connor perform “Travel Song” together - easily a standout number. Now, this isn’t to say that Andrews didn’t shine on his own! “Don’t Let Me Go” hit all the right notes - wonderfully performed and delightfully hilarious.

James O’Connor, Eli Andrews.

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

Friedman also had some delightful moments as Fiona; she was engaging and charismatic alongside O’Connor in “I Think I Got You Beat” and absolutely smashed the Act 2 opener “Morning Person”! Who knew she could sing, dance, and be funny all at once?! I loved it! And with all of these things going on, my favorite moment may have been “I Know It’s Today” with Paige Mathers and Sadie Mathers as Teen Fiona and Young Fiona, respectively. In this number we see Fiona recounting moments in her life where she believed in fairytales as a child and never stopped believing - and aside from this being wonderfully acted and sung by all, it was even more special seeing the Mathers sisters singing alongside each other. I’ve been able to enjoy their talent individually and it was the sweetest thing to see them on stage at the same time, essentially playing the same character. Totally warmed my heart!

Sadie Mathers, Cassie Friedman, Paige Mathers.

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

Rich Giordano played the role of Lord Farquaad, which is no small task.

How could I not?!

Rich Giordano.

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

One look at him with those flailing legs is enough to make anyone laugh and he easily kept that going. Giordano captured the hilarity of the character while effortlessly delivering the Act 1 showstopper “What’s Up Duloc?”. The choreography in this number was *superb* and the costumes looked incredible too - major credit to Choreographer Sarah Minto and Costume Designer Chakira Iliana-Doherty who outdid themselves. I think you’ll also find yourself impressed with “Forever” led by the Dragon, played by Rebecca Martowski. Wow! The *pipes* on her…she’s insane! I’ve always enjoyed her but this was on another level.

I’m always glad when the supporting characters in a big musical aren’t cast in a throwaway fashion and continuing that trend here is Will Brennan as Pinocchio. He absolutely nailed the voice and committed to the bit - even managing to maintain the voice while singing! Brennan is another example of somebody with exceptionally strong comedic timing that has been shining through more and more with every role he takes on. Carissa Navarra played the Sugar Plum Fairy and Gingy and was perfecttttttttt! Anyone familiar with Shrek will be looking forward to the moment we get to see Gingy and she doesn’t let us down.

Will Brennan, Carissa Navarra, and many faces I struggle to decipher.

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

On the creative side, we had a number of triumphs as well! We already touched on Director Anthony Arpino’s strength in directing but he also served as Scenic Designer for this production and pulled that off too. Music Director Carl Hottinger did what he does *best* and ensured that the cast and pit were on point while Choreographer Sarah Minto kept everyone movin’ and groovin’ in time. Whether you are looking for something to entertain the kids or yourself, Shrek the Musical at CM Performing Arts Center will keep you laughing and smiling while you tap your toes to and fro.

I know. Nobody says to and fro anymore. Until now. You’re welcome!

Shrek the Musical is playing until November 22nd and tickets can be purchased at the box office, over the phone, or via their website at www.cmpac.com.

Cast:

Shrek - James O’connor

Princess fiona - Cassie Friedman

Donkey - Eli Andrews

Lord Farquaad - Rich Giordano

Dragon - Rebecca Martowski

Young fiona - Sadie Mathers, Isabella Muens

Teen fiona - Paige Mathers, Layla Turnier

Young Shrek - Ryan Stanford

Pinocchio - Will Brennan

Sugar Plum Fairy/Gingy - Carissa Navarra

Fairy Godmother - Melina Piervencenti

Big Bad Wolf/Thelonius - Charlie Roman

Mama Ogre/Bear - Isabel Camacho

Baby Bear - Layla Turnier

Shoe Maker’s Elf - Michelle Shapiro

Humpty Dumpty - Samantha Fiore

Wicked Witch - Yesenia Morales

Three Little Pigs - Gianna Fazzalori, Paige Mathers, Kaitlyn Patterson

Ugly Duckling - Kayla Murray*

Mad Hatter - Julia Villani*

White Rabbit - AJ Lawrence

Little Red - Sadie MAthers, Isabella Muens

Peter Pan/Pied Piper/Dragon Operator - Will Logan

Ensemble - Isabel Camacho, Gianna Fazzalori, Samantha Fiore, AJ Lawrence, Will Logan, Paige MAthers, Yesenia Morales, Kayla Murray, Carissa Navarra, Kaitlyn Patterson, Melina Piervencenti, Charlie Roman, Michelle Shapiro, Ryan Stanford, Layla Turnier, Julia Villani

+ Dance Captains

Creative Team:

Director/Scenic Designer - Anthony Arpino

MUSIC DIRECTOR - Carl hottinger

Stage Manager - Rebecca Olivieri

CHOREOGRAPHER - Sarah Minto

SOUND Designer - Silvio Sweet

PROPS DESIGNER - Heather Van Velsor

LIGHTING DESIGNER - Kevin Purdy

Costume Designer - Chakira Iliana-Doherty

WIG Designer - RONALD R. GREEN III

The Shrek House Band:

Conducted by Carl Hottinger

Keyboard 1 - Carl Hottinger

Keyboard 2 - Shiori Chazono, Becca Nussbaum, Matthew W. Surico

Guitars - John DeRicco, Henrri Guillen

Bass - Justin Leonhardt, Kathryn O’Neill, Jasmine Rodriguez

Drums - Michael Ayala, Bill Dwyer

Reeds - Jennifer Haley, Brady Wells

Trumpet - Kevin Merkel

Violin - Kevin Merkel