Shrek the Musical Jr. at Wiesbaden’s Amelia Earhart Playhouse (Heather Fuller)

This past weekend, the Amelia Earhart Playhouse in Wiesbaden, Germany opened their production season with the youth performance of Shrek The Musical Jr.

As the play opens, all our favorite fairy tale individuals have been banished to Shrek’s swamp. Played by Eric James Hodeen, complete with a Mike-Myers-esque Scottish accent, Shrek is a grumpy ogre who just wants to be left alone. Costumes are colorful and help individualize the fairy tale creatures.

“This place is a dump!” exclaims Pinocchio (Lily Goodman), in one of this musical’s many laugh-out-loud moments. The entire multi-age ensemble then burst into song, and we learn that Shrek must take the issue up with Lord Farquaad (Orrin Perkins). This is a fast-paced version of our favorite ogre story, with lots of plot, lots of singing and lots of talent crammed into an hour and fifteen minutes.

Shrek the Musical Jr. at Wiesbaden’s Amelia Earhart Playhouse (Don Seaton)

Directed by Ethan Hamblin, Shrek the Musical Jr. is a fun, bright, upbeat and family-friendly show. As Shrek begins his trek to Duloc, we meet Donkey (Chantel Thompson), whose hysterical comedic timing perfectly balances out grumpy, stoic Shrek. Donkey’s incessant chatter and Shrek’s varied reactions make for witty banter throughout the show.  

The stage is set deep, offering audiences the feeling of being in the forest and part of the action. It quickly transforms into the castle at Duloc where Farquaad is extracting information from Gingy (Amelia Nieman) who, hysterically attempts to withhold details about a princess. Perkins does an excellent job with the necessary ‘acting from the knee,’ especially later when riding his broom-horse. Shrek and Donkey eventually enter Duloc and their quest is expanded to rescuing the princess from her dragon-guarded tower.

“Sounds like a cue for a flashback, doesn’t it?” Shrek says, breaking the fourth wall.

Shrek the Musical Jr. at Wiesbaden’s Amelia Earhart Playhouse (Don Seaton)

And flashback we do, to three talented vocalists that walk us through the life of Young Fiona (Avery Young) and Teen Fiona (Alice Fuller) as she grows up in a tower and sings about her prince in “manly hose.” Finally, adult Fiona (Chloe Goodman) takes the stage on day 8,423 of her lock up.

The comedic tone quickly returns as Donkey and Shrek travel toward the castle. Creative use of props and lighting move time along until we finally get eyes on Dragon (Cassandra Pachecho), whose puppetry head is used by way of introducing this talented singer.

As our couple and their funny ‘noble steed’ return to Duloc, we are treated to moments of hysterical chitchat (yes, the farts and burps are popular) interjected by full-cast singing that includes fun choreography and a great opportunity to highlight skills (looking at you, tap-dancing rats).

Shrek the Musical Jr. at Wiesbaden’s Amelia Earhart Playhouse (Don Seaton)

In the end, we learn that all of our differences make us strong together and who you are on the inside matters most. The fairy tale creatures, led by Pinocchio help Shrek embrace his uniqueness in the wonderful, big Broadway number “Freak Flag.” Then Shrek stomps off to save the day, after a laugh-out-loud moment with the bishop (Emma Spahl), at a wedding that turns to chaos.

This performance of Shrek the Musical Jr. by an impressive cast of 30 youth actors has already sold out its upcoming performances. However, it is always worth calling the theater for any changes.

Shrek the Musical Jr. at Amelia Earhart Playhouse, USAG Wiesbaden

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