Shrek the Musical, a stage adaptation of the beloved animated movie, isn’t just a fun fairytale adventure; it’s also a treasure trove of musical theatre in-jokes! For fans of Broadway and the West End, Shrek the Musical is packed with clever nods to iconic shows, enriching the experience beyond the ogre’s charming story and catchy Shrek Songs. Having recently revisited a UK tour production, I was struck again by the sheer number of references woven into the score and staging. Some are blatant homages, while others are subtle winks, creating a delightful Easter egg hunt for musical aficionados. Let’s dive into some of the most memorable musical theatre references you can spot within Shrek the Musical’s fantastic Shrek songs and scenes.
1. “Freak Flag” and the Les Misérables Revolution
The “Freak Flag” number in the second act is perhaps the most overt and hilarious reference. As the fairytale creatures embrace their individuality, the villagers of Duloc form a striking triangle formation. Behind them waves a large green flag emblazoned with Pinocchio’s image. This visual is a direct parody of the iconic image of Cosette from Les Misérables.
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The staging, reminiscent of the revolutionary fervor in Les Misérables, combined with the familiar musical phrasing echoing “One Day More,” leaves no doubt about the intended homage. This brilliant parody underscores the song’s theme of embracing the “freak” in you, all while tipping its hat to one of the most successful musicals of all time.
2. “Travel Song” and a Circle of Life
During the “Travel Song” montage, as Shrek and Donkey journey onward, keep your ears perked! In a fleeting moment of comedic brilliance, a giraffe and gazelle gracefully prance by. As they do, the music seamlessly transitions into a recognizable excerpt from “Circle of Life” from The Lion King. It’s a brief but wonderfully placed musical joke, highlighting the epic, adventurous feel of The Lion King and contrasting it with Shrek and Donkey’s more… unconventional travel style.
3. “Story of My Life” Channels Gypsy’s Distress
In the poignant ballad “Story of My Life,” Mama Bear delivers the line, “Mama’s in the mud, Mama’s in distress.” This lyric directly echoes the raw emotion and phrasing found in “Rose’s Turn” from Gypsy. It’s a subtle nod to the theatrical intensity of Gypsy, adding a layer of depth and humor to Mama Bear’s lament about her fractured fairytale existence within the context of Shrek songs.
4. “What’s Up Duloc” Takes a Bow from A Chorus Line
The meticulously choreographed number “What’s Up Duloc” takes direct inspiration from the finale of A Chorus Line, specifically the song “One.” Listen closely to the whispered vocal melody that weaves throughout “What’s Up Duloc.” It mirrors the iconic whispered sections of “One,” such as “commonly rare, very unique, peripatetic, poetic and chic.” In Shrek, the Duloc performers whisper phrases like “we practiced this part both forward and back, we make one mistake and we get the rack.”
Beyond the musical similarity, the entire concept of the Duloc performers, petrified of making mistakes and being cast aside by Lord Farquaad, mirrors the anxious auditionees in A Chorus Line, desperate for a spot in the chorus line and fearing any misstep.
5. Lord Farquaad’s Pose: A Matilda Coincidence?
While Shrek the Musical predates Matilda, a fun visual coincidence emerged. Lord Farquaad’s signature imperious pose bears an uncanny resemblance to Matilda Wormwood’s defiant stance.
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Perhaps it’s simply the posture of small figures aiming to appear larger than life. Regardless, the visual echo adds another layer of amusement for theatre-savvy audiences, even if unintentional within the Shrek songs context.
6. Fairy Tale Ensemble: Shared Woods with Into the Woods?
Another likely coincidence, but a noteworthy one for musical theatre fans, is the shared ensemble concept with Into the Woods. Both Shrek and Into the Woods populate their worlds with a wide array of fairytale characters. Little Red Riding Hood, wolves, dwarves, pigs, and fairies all make appearances in both productions. This shared pool of characters, while inherent to fairytale settings, creates a fun connection between these two musicals that playfully deconstruct classic stories and incorporate Shrek songs into their narratives.
7. Wicked Witch and a Defying Gravity Moment
The presence of a Wicked Witch in the fairytale ensemble of Shrek is a nod in itself to the musical Wicked. However, the reference goes further during “What’s Up Duloc.” As Lord Farquaad makes his triumphant appearance atop his castle, the musical phrasing directly quotes the soaring “oh woah oh ohhhhh” from the end of “Defying Gravity” in Wicked. This blatant musical wink adds a layer of theatrical irony, contrasting Farquaad’s pompousness with the genuine power and defiance of Elphaba in Wicked, all within the vibrant backdrop of Shrek songs.
8. Shrek of the Opera: A Phantom’s Longing
A more thematic link can be drawn between Shrek and The Phantom of the Opera. Both musicals feature lead male characters who are, shall we say, unconventional in appearance and yearn for love, initially facing rejection from the women they are drawn to. While the Phantom’s story takes a tragic turn, Shrek thankfully embraces a “happily ever after” as Fiona accepts Shrek for who he is, ogre exterior and all, enriching the emotional depth within the Shrek songs.
Beyond these, further exploration reveals even more musical nods, including a reference to “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls in the song “Forever.” The beauty of Shrek the Musical lies in these layers of references. They can be easily missed by casual audience members, yet provide a rewarding treasure hunt for those who know and love musical theatre. Whether intentional or coincidental, these echoes of other shows enrich the world of Shrek, making it a truly delightful and meta-theatrical experience filled with memorable Shrek songs.
For more examples of production-specific references, you can check out the Wikipedia page for Shrek the Musical.
