Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...With an hour removed, Shrek: The Musical might be entertaining. As it is, families will do better at home with the original movie."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film,” Shrek: The Musical” brings the favorite animated characters to life, from Fiona ( a solid performance by Dani Pike )to Donkey (played to perfection by Eustace J. Williams) to the Gingerbread Cookie'( Crystal Claros)’s ongoing fights with Pinocchio ( deftly handled by Michaela Shapiro). Of course, this play depends on a strong and powerful Shrek and Jordan DeBose truly grams the hearts of the audience. Winning Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book and Best Original Score, the book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tessori prove that there is more to this story than meets the eyes and ears."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...Johanna McKenzie Miller’s production is really quite good. While for this theatergoer, the shorter version of “Shrek: the Musical” is, as Goldilocks says, “Just right,” this lavish, two-and-a-half hour production will give enthusiastic theatergoers their money’s worth of joyful holiday entertainment. For musical theatre aficionados, keep your eyes and ears open for all the references and homages to other famous, big-name musicals, such as “Les Miz,” “Gypsy,” “Dreamgirls” and many more. The production is filled with cheerful and catchy songs, like “Big, Bright Beautiful World,” “Story of My Life,” “What’s Up, Duloc?” “Morning Person,” “I Think I Got You Beat,” “This is Our Story,” the infectious, 11th hour theme of the show, “Freak Flag,” and the jubilant and festive finale, “I’m a Believer,” that you’ll leave the theater humming."
Buzznews.net - Recommended
"...It fits the bill for a holiday spectacle; it’s definitely spectacular. The performances were uniformly fabulous – from Jordan DeBose as Shrek to every last member of the ensemble there were no weak links. The orchestra, conducted by Linda Madonia, provided flawless accompaniment without ever overshadowing the voices. Laura Savage’s choreography, led by Dance Captain (and White Rabbit) Liora Lahav, showcased the cast’s talents individually and collectively."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...Shrek the Musical is easily one of the best animated-film-to-Broadway-musical transformations out there, and Music Theater Works’ new production, directed by Johanna McKenzie Miller, captures everything that makes it great, from the flatulently fun main character to the adorably downtrodden cartoon characters to the high-energy Donkey to the princess-with-a-secret to the very silly evil prince…and, of course, to the songs. This is a musical for the rest of us: it is not meant to celebrate an already-celebrated ruling class; rather, its focus is on the multitudes who are usually forgotten simply because it is easy or expedient to do so. And it is that unusual focus that has made it a success."
Life and Times - Recommended
"...“Shrek The Musical” is the type of family-friendly entertainment that you can’t help but enjoy, especially as vibrantly brought to life by Music Theater Works. Indeed, the house for the opening matinee was filled with excited, chattering children. Their total engrossment in the action was a delight to observe."
Chicago Culture Authority - Recommended
"...The Music Theater Works production of Shrek: The Musical, a meet-ugly tale of an amiable ogre and a princess hiding a dark secret that opened Saturday at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, delivers a fun family romp that showcases the talents of its female cast members to the best effect."
