More Than a Fairytale: The Heart and Humor of HEA’s Shrek the Musical

Written by Adriana Dobrovinsky

Last week, I had the honor of seeing Shrek the Musical by Happily Ever After Productions. I had been anticipating this show ever since HEA first announced it. As someone who deeply loves musical theatre and the original Shrek movie, yet had absolutely no idea what to expect from a stage adaptation, this was my very first encounter with the musical version of the story.

From the moment I sat down in the theatre, I felt as though I had been transported into a world that was both incredibly magical and deeply personal at the same time. It quickly became clear that this was not just another production, but something created with genuine care and enthusiasm. This show had heart, humor, and a cast that brought every character to life with full commitment and sincerity.

Musically, the production was vibrant and emotionally rich. The casting was truly exceptional, and every performer fit their role beautifully while genuinely bringing their characters to life. Gerrit Groot Karsijn managed to perfectly balance Shrek’s rough humor with unexpected tenderness. His Shrek felt alive and deeply human rather than exaggerated or cartoonish. His performance of “When Words Fail” stayed with me long after the moment passed. It was sincere, honest, and vocally beautiful, and as an audience member I truly cherished that moment.

His stage partner, Camille Gribbons as Fiona, was an absolute joy to watch. Her performance combined strength, warmth, and confident vocal control, while her comedic timing felt completely natural and effortless. What impressed me most was the attention to the subtle details she layered into the character. The way she portrayed Fiona striving so hard to live up to the image of the perfect princess while quietly confronting an imperfect reality added an unexpected depth to the role. “I Know It’s Today,” performed alongside the two younger Fionas, further expanded Fiona’s story and was delivered with incredible energy and humor. I would also like to mention Fiona’s dance with the mice, because moments like that are truly a theatre kid’s guilty pleasure.

Another memorable performance was Donkey, played by the charming Jose Ross Barredo. He brought incredible warmth to the role and made the character feel both playful and emotionally sincere. Beneath the humor there was an almost delicate vulnerability, which made his interpretation feel layered and genuine. Every punchline landed perfectly, yet there was always real heart behind the comedy.

And finally, Yorgos Gerakianakis as Lord Farquaad was brilliantly funny. Some performers have a presence that immediately commands attention the moment they step on stage, and he is undoubtedly one of them. Technically, Farquaad is a character you are meant to dislike, yet this portrayal was so charismatic and precisely crafted that you could not help but enjoy every moment he appeared on stage. He was witty, bold, and completely in control of the space around him. Vocally confident and physically fully committed, he brought an electric energy to every scene he entered, and every joke landed exactly as it should.

The ensemble also deserves special recognition for bringing color and personality to the stage throughout the evening. One of the great joys of Shrek is the abundance of fairytale characters, and this cast fully embraced the opportunity to make each one feel unique and memorable. Their ensemble sound was wonderful and full of energy, while the choreography added even more life and movement to the production.

I also really appreciated the subtle Dutch humor woven into the production. These cultural references made the performance feel especially connected to its audience and created a shared sense of playfulness in the room. The laughter that followed them was immediate and collective, which created a beautiful sense of connection between the stage and the audience.

What ultimately made this production truly special for me, however, was the atmosphere in the theatre. You could feel the passion in every moment, in the waves of laughter throughout the audience, in the attentive silence during the quieter scenes, and in the applause that felt completely deserved.

This Shrek was not simply performed. It was crafted with care, lived with intention, and shared with a genuine love for the art form.

I left the theatre smiling, humming the songs, and thinking about moments I never expected would affect me so deeply. To me, that is always the mark of a truly special night at the theatre. Bravo!

More Than a Fairytale: The Heart and Humor of HEA’s Shrek the Musical

A Review of Shrek the Musical (Cast Swamp) - Spoilers ahead!