by Ezabelle Janssen, Senior Staff Writer
BILOXI (GG) — Some stories begin in castles. This one begins at Beau Rivage.
Running June 11 through July 2, Shrek the Musical turned Beau Rivage into a swampy storybook world. As Donkey would say, Beau Rivage and Shrek go together “like donuts and…diabetes.”
Before the curtain even rises, the fairytale has already begun. Life-sized statues of Shrek and Donkey welcome families near the arcade, inviting children and adults alike to stop for photographs. The walls leading into the theater have transformed into oversized storybook pages, while ushers don playful ogre ears. Even the drinks join in, with green souvenir cups turning every soda into swamp water. Only the freeze-dried concession’s name may make some guests hesitate before reaching into the bag of “Ogre Boogers.” Thankfully, they’re sweeter than they sound.
Outside the theater, Beau Rivage has embraced the ogre life from every angle. Families can test their putting skills at the pun-filled Par Far Away golf experience, while The Roasted Bean serves a menu inspired by the production. The Ogre Onion Rings become more than a clever name once dipped into their bright green swamp sauce. The PB&J cookie looks worthy of Lord Farquaad’s royal dessert table, while the towering Makin’ Waffles matcha vanilla milkshake, crowned with whipped cream and crisp waffle bites, proves delicious enough to make any ogre grin.
Then the curtain rises.
Under the direction of Jeb K. Rand of Rand Productions, Inc., with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori, there’s plenty of heart and ogre-sized laughs throughout.
Unlike the DreamWorks film, the musical opens with Shrek’s childhood, adding emotional depth to a character known for hiding behind sarcasm and solitude.
Visually, the production continues Beau Rivage’s recent trend of allowing technology to carry much of the scenery. Physical sets remain relatively simple, relying on a handful of props, while digital backdrops transport audiences from Shrek’s swamp to Duloc with pixelated ease.
Of course, no amount of technology could steal attention from the cast.
Making his Beau Rivage debut, Drew Kempin delivers a swamp-tastic Shrek with complex layers that could make you cry, like an onion. Rebecca Band playfully captures Fiona’s wit, independence, and hidden vulnerability, while Matheus Barbee ri-donk-ulously bounces across the stage as Donkey, earning laughter nearly every time he opens his mouth.
However, Joey Brichler’s Lord Farquaad may steal the evening. He performed nearly the entire production on his knees to create the illusion of the famously tiny ruler. The audience rewarded him with extra applause, with a brief break in the fourth wall as Farquaad demanded more before carrying on with his royal business.
Jennifer Rand’s colorful costumes bring the fairy tale creatures to life, while Dewayne Barrett’s choreography keeps the large ensemble constantly moving, and Musical Director Robert Bigley fills the theater with the familiar Broadway score, balancing humor with heart.
Fans of the film will find plenty of iconic moments intact. The Duloc welcome puppet show, exploding bird, and Shrek and Fiona’s flatulence contest all remain. So do many of the film’s sly innuendos, giving adults plenty to enjoy alongside the younger audience members.
Still, the musical makes the material its own, with several scenes reimagined, especially in the second act, when Fiona tap-dances with mice. Although probably most notable are the current pop culture references slipped into the dialogue, including nods to Wicked, a shouted “Kobe!”, and an unexpected Lion King cameo that drew many laughs.
By the finale, “I’m a Believer” fills the theater, the cast floods the aisles, singing, dancing, and high-fiving beaming children.
Over the past month, Shrek and friends have ventured far beyond the theater during their Biloxi residency, throwing first pitches at Biloxi Shuckers games, meeting marine life at the Mississippi Aquarium, relaxing during spa visits, and sampling Shrek-inspired treats throughout the resort. Rather than presenting a show guests simply watch, Beau Rivage built an experience guests can join.
At its core, though, Shrek the Musical isn’t remembered for exploding birds, talking donkeys, or swamp-colored milkshakes. It’s remembered for its message. It reminds the audience that fairy tales aren’t about being perfect: they’re about embracing who you are. As the cast sings, “We are different, and united. You are us, and we are you.”
Photos by Rand Productions
