Review and Ticket Giveaway: Shrek the Musical at Chicago's Shakespeare Theater

A wonderful time was had by all at "Shrek the Musical" at Chicago’s Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier. This delightful adaptation of the first "Shrek" movie really was most clever in bringing the story to the stage. The all-ages, very talented, ensemble was perfectly cast into charismatic roles.

The kids and I reveled in the fact that the costumes, the accents and even character sounds imitated the well-known movie so accurately. My children related to similarities in the musical to that of the movie, and it brought them joy to see it live on a stage.

While the screenplay did a phenomenal job in keeping true to the story of Shrek, I felt it went beyond in bringing an important message to its audience members. Clever lyrics were strewn in a few songs relaying how important it is to be true to oneself. Shrek the movie already carries much of this, but in a much more hidden nature.

"Shrek the Musical" made a prominent point to create a stronger message (and far less hidden one). Fiona, while locked in a tower and reading fairy tale endings in books, was sure that her fairy tale was on its way, only to realize later in her own story that the love she read about repeatedly in a book was not her story to live.

Fiona brings attention to how the world of fairy tales truly needs to be updated, while the cast of the amazing misfit fairy tale “things,” (as Shrek relates to them as they land in his swamp) sing in wonderful spirit about how we all need to “let our freak flag fly.”

The main messages of the show are: that we are all different and this does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with us, our differences are not reasons to not be loved by someone. We all deserve to be free to be who we really are, and that we should be loved for that no matter what. It was hard not to get a foot tapping during the fabulous musical delivery of these sentiments.

In addition, the summer is such a wonderful time to visit Navy Pier. To be able to pop into shops, and out on the pier watching the amazing ships sail about, and enjoy the warms smells, the beautiful Chicago skyline, and friendly faces.

We had a lovely matinee time which allowed for some wonderful sun-soaking pier side, but I am certain you’d enjoy this show day or night. It is lively, clever, comical and really just a good time for all ages. And what better than to have children walk away with such a wonderful message with some upbeat, toe-tapping music to boot? Enjoy the show!

-Amy Jarjusey blogs at http://www.nakitababy.com/

Green Parent Chicago wants to know: which of the Shrek series is your child's favorite and why? Comment below for your chance to win a Family Four Pack of tickets to see Shrek the Musical at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Contest ends Friday August 23.