Shrek The Musical

We are going to watch the musical over the next few lessons and complete this worksheet which
watching it. Below are some questions the complete during and after the show. We will be watching the
Broadway cast version of Shrek The Musical, the Jnr production we are doing will have some scenes and
song cut out to make it shorter.

Overall Show

1) After the first song, “Big Bright Beautiful World”, what are your impressions of the show so
far?
It is a comedic show and is supposed to be funny. The set is really detailed and there is a lot of
movement on the stage. The set has a lot of moving parts.

2) After the song “What’s Up Duloc?” we have met most of the characters in this show. What are
some that stand out to you? Do you recognise any? If so, where are they from?
Pinocchio and the three pigs stand out. I recognize Pinocchio and the big bad wolf and the three
little pigs. They are from a variety of story tales. Such as three little pigs and Pinocchio and little
red riding hood also alice in wonderland.

3) Lord Faquaad is a very comical character throughout the show, describe his song “What’s up
Duloc” explain why he uses over the top characterisation?
He uses over the top characterization to make the expressions clear and very funny. He uses it
to portray the character better.

4) What do you think of Lord Farquaad’s costume and how do you think they have made him
look short but still able to move around the stage?
 The person who plays Lord Farquaad is on their knees and their body is hidden by the cape. This
helps to achieve the look that makes him look short.

5) Throughout the show Princess Fiona has a lot of quick costume changes from human to Ogre
form. How do you think they do the quick change in the scene where Donkey finds out
Princess Fiona is cursed?

I think that when she went into the cave she changed quickly. She had a few minutes to change from
human to ogre.

6) “Freak Show” is a great anthem for the Fairytale characters in this show, what do you think is
the main message behind the song?

The message behind the song is to be proud of who you are. Don’t worry about what others think of
you. They are saying they need to unite as one to beat lord farquaad.

Character analysis
While watching the performance, pick a character to focus on and evaluate the following:

Characters Name: donkey

a) Voice (accent, tone, pace or intonation) or vocal techniques that this character uses.

Donkey has an American accent and he often speaks quite fast. He also speaks a lot. He also paces
around the stage rather quickly.

b) Physical movement (movement, gesture, posture, facial expression) used by this character;
how does this enhance their character?

Donkey is often seen using over dramatic facial expressions. He also stands up right and has over
dramatic actions and arm movements.

c) How does their character develop throughout the show?

He develops from being an annoying character who speaks a lot to becoming shreks best friend.
Donkey also becomes really close with shrek.

d) If you were the director of this show, what are some tips you might give to an actor when they
are approaching this character?

I would say to be cautious or act cautious because he is quite a confident and over dramatic character
who is very confident in his self.

Songs

How do the songs in this in this show tell the story?

The songs represent different emotions and feelings. They are also to create a hidden meaning and or
more elements. They can also show character’s emotions or character change (Fiona to ogre)
What are vocal skills are required to perform these songs?

Being able to sing soprano and alto as well as projection of voice. Making sure everyone can hear you.

Do you think that Solo songs or Chorus songs are more enjoyable to watch? Why?

I think the chorus songs are more enjoyable to watch as they include more characters and there is more
to see on screen rather than just one character.

What are some instruments that you hear in these songs? List below.

I can hear the saxophone and also the drums. I can also hear clarinets and flutes.