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?

Energetic, silly,

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?

Pinnocio, three pigs, big bad wolf, three bears, wicked witch, all from numerous fairy tail stories

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?

It makes his character not be taken seriously and seem crazy and over the top, also presenting him
as a bit dumb

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?

His costume is very bright and over the top, with contrasting colours, consisting of yellow and red.

I think they used black pants to conceal his legs while walks on his knees, using fake legs in front to
look like they are his real legs
 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 they put a mask on and gloves, and quickly painted the visible areas of skin with green paint

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?

I think it means that it doesn’t matter if your different, being special is what makes you you. It also
suggests that your differences make you special.

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

Characters Name: Shrek

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

Scottish accent, rough, husky, grunting, growling, loud

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

Slouchy, hunchy posture, shuffling, frowning, scowling, enhancing how Shrek is careless, rough, tough,
and mean

c) How does their character develop throughout the show?

He starts to open up and let people in, making friends and embracing his happiness as well as his
feelings for Fiona.

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?

Act scared and intimidated by him, feel threatened and feel like shrek is nothing more than a hideous
creature that has no feelings or emotion.

Songs

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

By the lyrics, facial expressions, gestures, dances, music, movement, props, set, emotion in voice

What are vocal skills are required to perform these songs?

A low range, different vocal techniques, strong loud and clear voice when singing, articulate, emotion in
voice

Do you think that Solo songs or Chorus songs are more enjoyable to watch? Why?
Chorus songs, because they include many harmonies, choreography, and have many different
characters, so there is usually a lot going on. However, solo songs can be very interesting, since there
isn’t as much going on, and all your attention is on the one person performing.

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

Guitars, piano