Everyone’s favorite green ogre and his friends are bringing some fairytale magic to the Manila theater scene with an all-Filipino cast and a whole lot of fairy dust for the kid in all of us.
Everyone loves a happy ending, even if it comes with a plot twist. Of the magical kind that is. Which is one of the reasons why everyone has a soft spot for Shrek, the jolly green ogre from the swamp who falls in love with a princess named Fiona from a land far, far away. With the help of his friends Donkey and Dragon, they fight their way to save the princess from the evil intentions of Prince Farquad. This beloved story makes its way to Manila as Shrek the Musical opens over at Newport World Resorts on October 31.
Among the very best of Philippine theater talent make up the all-Filipino cast of this much-loved Broadway musical. Jamie Wilson, who has had a triumphant return to the stage in recent months, takes on the titular role of Shrek. His crazy band of cohorts include Topper Fabregas as Donkey, and Julia Serad as Dragon. Shrek’s lady love, Fiona, will be played by Krystal Kane, who is wrapping up her run as Daisy Hilton in SideShow, while his nemesis Lord Farquad will be played by Alfredo Reyes.
Rounding out the cast of characters is a a vibrant ensemble of fairytale creatures from Gingy to Pinocchio to the Big Bad Wolf, each ready to bring a little mischief and a lot of magic to the stage. This includes triple threat Jordan Andrews, who was last seen as Joseph in Joseph The Dreamer, as the Mad Hatter and Pied Piper, where he says he will be putting his tap-dancing skills to good use.
Shrek the Musical is based on the DreamWorks Animation movie, including elements from all three films, as well as the book by William Steig. The show first opened on Broadway in 2008, and features book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori. Fan favorites among the its songs include Who I’d Be, Don’t Let Me Go, The Ballad of Farquaad, I Know It’s Today, and the feel-good ditty I’m A Believer.
Dreaming up the swamp and the magical world that Shrek and his friends live in takes no less than an all-star creative team put together by Newport World’s Full House Theater Company (FHTC). Leading the big, green adventure that is Shrek is director Dexter M. Santos, who helmed the hugely-successful productions of Ang Huling El Bimbo (featuring the songs of the Eraserheads), and the Parokya ni Edgar musical Buruguduystunstugudunstuy, along with assistant director Cara Barredo, and musical director Ejay Yatco.
Adding his creative input to the show is Associate Director Michael Stuart Williams, who shared “Like Shrek says, ogres have layers and so does this show. Underneath the fun and the outrageous moments, there’s a story about friendship, courage, and embracing who you are. It’s wildly funny, heartwarming, and visually spectacular.”
FHTC’s Artistic Lauchengco-Yulo adds, “It’s the same Broadway magic audiences know and love, while infusing it with the artistry and spirit of Filipino performers and creatives.” Newport World Resorts’ Chief Hospitality Officer John Lucas is excited about this production, as “Bringing the Broadway production to life by an all-Filipino cast and creative team, it is a world-class spectacle with a distinctly Filipino heart.”
Catch Shrek The Musical starting October 31, 2025, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are available at Ticketworld, Newport World Resorts Box Office, and Helixpay. Ticket prices range from P4,500 (SVIP), to P1,500 (BRONZE). For inquiries, contact Customer Care at 7908-8888 or info@fhtcentertainment.com.
