Moonlight staging another summer hit with ‘Shrek: The Musical’

An entertaining evening for the young and young-at-heart awaits those who attend “Shrek: The Musical” at Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista.

The stage version running through Aug. 29 is based on the 2001 DreamWorks animated film and the 1990 book by William Steig. It is filled with plenty of jokes (some specifically geared toward adults), peppy tunes and sight-gags that are sure to make attendees laugh. But underneath the frivolity is a much more somber lesson about acceptance, not judging others based on their appearance and finding true love.

Making this happily-ever-after fairy tale come to life are a cast of characters led by a large green ogre named Shrek who just wants to be left alone in his swamp. T.J. Dawson plays the title role in believable and enjoyable fashion.

For those not familiar with the animated film — seeing it is not necessary to enjoy the musical — Shrek is an ogre sent off into the “cruel” world by his parents on his seventh birthday. They tell him “It’s a big bright beautiful world ... but not for you.” After some near brushes with death by villagers scared of him, Shrek retreats to the swamp where he is content to live the rest of his life alone. But his idyllic peace is shattered when Lord Farquaad (a physically challenging role wonderfully played by Marc Ginsburg) banishes a group of familiar fairy tale characters from their homes in Duloc to the swamp.

When Pinocchio, Fairy Godmother, Three Bears, Three Little Pigs, Big Bad Wolf, Ugly Duckling, Peter Pan, Wicked Witch and others arrive in Shrek’s swamp, he decides to confront Farquaad in order to get them to leave.

Along the way to Duloc Shrek saves Donkey, who becomes Shrek’s first friend. Donkey is hilariously played by Broadway veteran Cornelius Jones, Jr., who convincingly sounds like Eddie Murphy (Donkey’s film voice).

Farquaad wants to be a king and the only way he can become one is by marrying a princess. He sets his sights on Fiona (adult version played by Michelle London), who at age 7 was sent by her parents to live in a tower until rescued by a prince. Unbeknownst to Farquaad, Fiona has been cursed and only true love can break the spell.

Since Farquaad does not have the courage to face the dragon and fiery lava moat surrounding Fiona’s tower, he makes a deal with Shrek — if the ogre rescues Fiona so she can marry Farquaad, Shrek can have his swamp back.

“Shrek The Musical” debuted on Broadway in 2008, was nominated for eight Tony Awards and won one in 2009 for best costume design. The costumes, set and special effects (including a large dragon) are a colorful, visually stunning complement to the well-acted, well-sung and well-staged show. The songs allow the actors’ voices to shine, most notably Dawson’s in “When Words Fail” and “Build a Wall,” London’s in “This Is How a Dream Comes True” and “Morning Person,” and Ginsburg’s in “Ballad of Farquaad.” In addition, “I Think I Got You Beat” is hilarious with its gross-out gags.

While in some ways the story line is geared toward children, there is a lot to keep adults entertained. Throughout there are nods to other Broadway shows — among them “Wicked,” “Gypsy” and “The Lion King” — and current events. As director/choreographer David F.M. Vaughn explains in his notes, the film was successful due to its appeal to children and second, subtle layer, aimed toward adults with “edgy jokes and pop culture references (that) went right over kids’ heads and soared into the hearts of adults.”

For the stage version an additional layer — much like that of an onion, to which Shrek compares himself — was incorporated. Vaughn said he used his experience from his years in the original Broadway cast, classic theater conventions with unexpected surprises plus modern jokes and pop cultural references to make it appealing for all.

“Shrek: The Musical” can be seen at 8 p.m. through Aug. 29 at Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive in Vista. Tickets are $24 to $52, with senior, student, military and Family Night discounts available. Purchase at moonlightstage.com or 760-724-2110. Parking and shuttle are free.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking. Bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages or purchase food and drinks (including alcohol) on site. Also bring a jacket or blanket to the outdoor venue since it can get chilly.