'Shrek the Musical' to bring all-Filipino star power to the stage
This Halloween, the iconic green ogre and his motley crew of fairy-tale misfits will hit the Philippine stage as "Shrek The Musical" premieres at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on October 31, powered by an all-Filipino lead cast.
Presented by Newport World Resorts, this ogre-sized production promises not just dazzling performances and spectacular sets, but also a celebration of Filipino theatrical talent.
Jamie Wilson as Shrek
Leading the charge—or rather, stomping through the swamp—is seasoned theater veteran Jamie Wilson as Shrek. With a career spanning over four decades, Wilson is no stranger to commanding the stage. His past performances in "Matilda The Musical" (for which he won a Broadway World Asia Award) and "Run For Your Wife" (Aliw Award, Best Actor) have made him a staple in the local theater scene.
Wilson is also known for his directorial chops in major concerts like "Ely Buendia: A Night at the Theater."
Krystal Kane as Princess Fiona
Opposite Wilson is Krystal Kane as Princess Fiona—spirited, sassy, and full of surprises. Kane, who began acting at the age of nine in classics like "Aspects of Love" and "The Sound of Music," studied musical theater in New York before returning to Manila to wow audiences in productions such as "Spring Awakening"and "Tabing Ilog: The Musical."
After a brief hiatus to explore the world behind the lens as a photographer and stylist, Kane made a triumphant return in "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" and will also star in "Side Show."
Topper Fabregas as Donkey
Bringing the laughs and likely stealing scenes—is Topper Fabregas as Donkey. As a founding member of Red Turnip Theater, Fabregas has proven time and again that he can shift from laugh-out-loud comedy to raw emotional depth. His acting credits include "Come From Away," "Angels in America," and "Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical," while his award-winning performance in "Sila-Sila" on film has shown just how versatile he truly is.
Alfredo Reyes as Lord Farquaad
Rounding out the main cast is Alfredo 'Bibo' Reyes as the vertically-challenged villain Lord Farquaad. Known for his performances in "In the Heights," "Waitress," and "The Band's Visit" with Atlantis Theatrical, and as Young Hector in "Ang Huling El Bimbo," Reyes has built a solid reputation onstage and across Asia with touring hits like "Saturday Night Fever" and "Avenue Q."
Trained at the prestigious Atlantic Acting School in New York (recipient of the Practical Aesthetics Full Scholarship), Reyes promises to make Farquaad as delightfully devious as ever.
Originally hitting Broadway in 2008, the musical—featuring music by Jeanine Tesori and a book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire—earned eight Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, and won Best Costume Design of a Musical.
The Philippine staging is produced under license from Music Theatre International (MTI), with full performance materials provided by the same.
"Shrek The Musical" opens October 31 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport World Resorts, Pasay City.
Tickets are now available via TicketWorld, Newport World Resorts Box Office, and HelixPay.
Prices are as follows:
SVIP: PHP 4,500
VIP: PHP 4,000
Gold: PHP 3,000
Silver: PHP 2,000
Bronze: PHP 1,500
—CDC, GMA Integrated News
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