Roving Pittsburgher Report - Ogre Love Conquers All A Review of Shrek the Musical, Feb. 6th 2014 Performance

Ogre Love Conquers All
A Review of Shrek the Musical, Feb. 6th 2014 Performance
From: Roving Pittsburgher and PositivePittsburghLiveMagazine.com
Written By: Stephanie Curtice | Feb. 07, 2014

We all grew up with those classic fairy tales of damsels in distress saved by a handsome prince, where love triumphs over the wicked, and everyone was perfect, pretty, and happy. Well Shrek the Musical, which opened February 6th at Pittsburgh’s Byham Theater, was a perfect toe-tapping love story just like that – well mostly.

Shrek the Musical
(photo courtesy: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust)

The dashing hero Shrek (Billy Mason) is not quite prince charming, because you know it ain’t easy being green. The shunned ogre was content to live in the quiet of his swamp. That was until it was invaded by misfit fairy tale characters, banished from the kingdom of Duloc by the droll Lord Farquaad (Tim Hartman). The pint-sized ruler offers a challenge for Shrek to regain his stinky swamp. All he needed to do was rescue Farquaad’s bride-to-be from a dragon protected tower.

With the help of his charmingly witty and relentless noble steed, Donkey, Shrek rescues the beautiful maiden Fiona (Emily Lynne Miller) narrowly escaping the pink dragon, a singing diva. At first unimpressed with the efforts of the outcast ogre, Fiona warms up to Shrek and a few commonalities break wind for an unexpected romance. But, Fiona bearing her own curse and is not who she seems. Now in love with Fiona, Shrek tries to break up her wedding to Farquaad. Meanwhile, the renegade fairy tale characters storm the castle in their own revolt against the mini monarch. Happy ever after comes for all as they fly their "Freak Flag" with pride and Fiona's true identity is revealed by power of true love’s kiss.

Shrek the Musical
(photo courtesy: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust)

Now even before the show I was wondering what differences there would be from the movie. Shrek the Musical was adapted from the popular 2001 animated film by DreamWorks and the children’s book by William Steig. It was directed by Colleen Petrucci, with a score by Jeanine Tesori and a book and lyrics by the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. Like the movie it was laden with numerous pop culture jokes and fairy tale spoofs. But it additionally had spoof references to other musicals like Les Miserables, Gypsy, The Lion King, Wicked, and Chorus Line including one classic style tap dancing number, “I Think I Got You Beat.”

The show featured a Pittsburgh native too. Tim Hartman, who played the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad, hilariously hammed it up for the hometown, all while scooting around on his knees the whole show. Shrek the Musical was full of fun, upbeat music, comical spoofs, witty jokes, a great message of acceptance, and incredible costumes, like Pinocchio’s trademark growing nose. The singing was outstanding and the acting superb. I know its still cold out, but don’t just pop in the DVD. Go out, take the kids to see Shrek the Musical live, you won’t be sorry. The family friendly show is one you and your kids won’t want to miss!

Special shout out to my 7th grade neighbor Ishmael, who joined me at the show.  His favorites were Donkey for the laughs, great singing and accent by Shrek, and special effects like Pinocchio's growing nose.  He gave the show two thumbs up too!

Additional Performances:

Feb 7th and 8th  |   7:30 PM
Feb 9th  |   2:00 PM
Feb 14th and 15th  |   7:30 PM
Feb 16th  |   2:00 PM

By: Stephanie Curtice

Good News and Cultural Reporter

PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

RovingPittsburgher.blogspot.com

TheNewGirlintheBurgh.blogspot.com

(c) PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com 2014

Roving Pittsburgher Report - Hooray for Hollywood… Music! A Review of the PSO’s Jan. 23rd 2014 Pops Concert

Hooray for Hollywood… Music! 

(photo source: PSO)

If ever you were thinking of dabbling your senses into the world of symphonic music, this would be the concert to do it. But don’t just dabble or dip your toes. Jump in! Take the plunge with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra into the chum filled, shark infested waters of Jaws. This movie music experience is a must-see blockbuster.

It’s not locked in a “Chamber of Secrets” (Harry Potter).  The fact that John Williams is a genius at composing dramatic, emotion-rich music for the big screen that whisks us away. His music has transported movie lovers from beautiful secluded islands overrun with dinosaurs, to the Black Hills of Wyoming and eerie close encounters; from galloping through the battle fields of World War I, to magical lands of wizards, sorcerers, and quiddich matches; and from lost treasure troves in the deserts of Egypt to the outer edges of deep space.

You know the music of John Williams. I’m positive you could even sing it. It’s iconic.  Surely you’ve interrupted a game of Marco Polo, with your hand above your head like a shark fin singing that suspenseful two note motive, Da Dum, Da Dum? Or wielded a light saber to “The Imperial March”?

PSO Resident Conductor
Lawrence Loh

So, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you will recognize every piece in this concert. But in case you do need your movie memory jogged, fear not, because Resident Conductor Lawrence Loh is not your run of the mill orchestra conductor - he has clearly put in his popcorn time. He along with the talented members of the PSO bring to life some of the most memorable cinematic moments of the last 30 years with music from War Horse, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and even gears us up for the upcoming Winter Games with that hopeful spirit evoked by the Olympic Fanfare and Theme.

The powerful and moving music of John Williams takes the movie experience to new heights and leaves viewers with lasting memories. Didn’t you ever camp overnight in your backyard, snacking on Reese’s Pieces and gazing at the stars, wondering if you too could someday have your own ET friend that would zoom back into space to ? I have to think that the boyishly cute, thirty something guy in a dapper grey suit a few rows in front of me did. After intermission he brought back a bag of those tasty candies, which were featured in the 1982 movie, to share with his expecting wife.

The music of these movies has left a lasting impression in our hearts and memories. Taking a moment to look around at the audience Thursday night was like watching a groom watch his bride, as she walks down the aisle. Heinz Hall was filled with beaming smiles, the biggest and cutest smile maybe being that of Conductor Loh. This Olympic gold medal worthy concert is one you don’t want to miss. My review is to not miss this family-friendly Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Pops concert! It is FUN!!!

Additional Concert Times:
Friday, January 24, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, January 26, 2014 at 2:30 PM

By: Stephanie Curtice
Good News Reporter & Contributing Journalist
PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com
TheNewGirlintheBurgh.blogspot.com
(c) PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com 2013