April 20, 2026

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There’s something inherently cheerful about Shrek the Musical. It’s big, bright, and knowingly silly, but the current production at Massey Theatre never quite decides how much heart it wants to balance with all that spectacle.

 

The production is at its strongest in quieter moments, particularly when Tanner Zerr (Shrek) allows some vulnerability to seep through the prosthetics, or when Madison Simms (Fiona) anchors “I Know It’s Today” with clarity and warmth. There’s a genuine sweetness that peeks through, hinting at a more affecting show lurking beneath the latex and punchlines.  

 

Zerr’s Shrek balances gruffness with surprising tenderness, while Simms brings both vocal strength and a welcome self-awareness to Fiona. Chris Francisque as Donkey earns many of the evening’s biggest laughs, though the performance occasionally pushes so hard for comic effect that the charm begins to feel slightly forced. Meanwhile, Kamyar Pazandeh commits fully to the role’s physical comedy, drawing consistent audience response even when the material itself feels repetitive.  

 

Where the production struggles is in its pacing and tonal consistency. The first act moves briskly enough, buoyed by novelty and a parade of familiar fairy-tale faces, nicely rounded out by a committed ensemble including Alexis Hope and Eric Timuss. But as the evening wears on, the show begins to feel its length. Jokes that land early are repeated or stretched, and the second act, in particular, sags under the weight of its own busyness. It’s not a fatal flaw, but it does dull the impact of what should be an emotionally satisfying conclusion.  

 

Visually, the production embraces the show’s maximalism. The costumes are inventive and often delightful. There’s a clear sense of ambition and director Chris Adams keeps things moving at a lively clip.

 

Ultimately, this Shrek is an enjoyable outing. It delivers the broad comedy and familiar story audiences expect, and there are flashes of genuine charm that suggest something deeper. 

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- Vancouver Stage 

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Shrek the Musical runs April 17 - May 3 at The Massey Theatre, New Westminster

Find tickets and info here

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