Shrek The Musical has it all: the whimsically elaborate production, the solid cast, the mesmerizing stage design, and the harmonious live orchestra — all befitting the original story’s radiant humor and grandeur. The two-hour show will leave you enthralled and filled with the right does of wonder and laughter. Running from October 31 to December 2025 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, this is one spectacle you should not dare miss. 

The musical explores the story of Shrek, a reclusive ogre who reluctantly agrees to rescue Princess Fiona in order to reclaim his swamp from the tyrannical Lord Farquaad. With the aid of his newly found friend, Donkey, he goes on a wacky adventure to discover the meaning of friendship and true love. Much like the beloved Dreamworks animated film of the same title, the musical has the heart and the wonder, only this time, it’s greatly heightened by the music and the powerful live performance of Filipino theater actors.

Produced by the Full House Theater Company (FHTC), the Philippine rendition of the Broadway musical is given the royal fairy tale treatment it requires. The characters’ costumes were elegantly designed. The stage production was a mesmerizing spectacle all throughout, with effects that you wouldn’t quite expect. (We won’t spoil the fine details, but we can assure you that the stage was a grand feast for the eyes.) The addition of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra playing live in the background gave the musical that additional majestic gloss. 

Still, the main highlight of the show remains to be the stellar cast of Filipino theater talents. Jamie Wilson who took centerstage captured Shrek’s accent and tone of voice amazingly well. His renditions of “When Words Fail”, “Who I’d Be” and “Big Bright Beautiful World” were particularly moving.  Krystal Kane regaled the show as the elegant yet fiery Princess Fiona, impeccably capturing the high notes and emotions for “I Know It’s Today” and “Morning Person”. Topper Fabregas exuded Donkey’s innate charming sassiness so well, it was amusing to watch his lively banters with Shrek, especially in “Don’t Let Me Go”. Julia Serad’s jaw-dropping performance of “Forever” definitely thrilled the entire theater. Alfredo Reyes, who played the role of the tyrannical and egotistical Lord Farquaad, was a crowd favorite – all his lines and movements had the audience roaring with laughter. 

Shrek The Musical is a must-see for theater enthusiasts and for curious spectators as well. People of all ages would surely enjoy the show from start to finish. Kids would love the vibrance of the music and the stage. Adults who grew up with the classic animated film would definitely appreciate the throwback and the in-the-swamp humor that Shrek holds. Take your friends, your family, your date and see the musical while it’s still running. Who knows? It might just turn you into a believer. 

By Sandra Mae Laureano

Photos courtesy of Full House Theater Company (FHTC) and Newport World Resorts

Special thanks to Newport World Resorts.and Full House Theater

Witness the ogre-sized production of Shrek The Musical until December 2025 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are available at Ticketworld and Newport World Resorts Box Office: PHP 4,500 (SVIP), PHP 4,000 (VIP), PHP 3,000 (GOLD), PHP 2,000 (SILVER), and PHP 1,500 (BRONZE). For inquiries, contact Customer Care at 7908-8888 or info@fhtcentertainment.com. 

For more information on Shrek The Musical, visit www.newportworldresorts.com/shrekthemusicalph  and follow @newportworldresorts and @nwr.musicals on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Join Newport World Resorts Viber Community at https://newportwr.com/nwrvibercommunity for exclusive updates. Every visit is made more rewarding with an Epic Rewards membership, download the Epic Rewards Mobile App for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.