Freak flag flies in 'Shrek'

Embrace your inner ogre and let your "freak flag fly!" Smiles and laughter swept the Ridley High School stage as the performers presented their rendition of "Shrek the Musical."

"Shrek the Musical" ran on Broadway starting in 2008, and starred several famous actors including Sutton Foster, Christopher Sieber, and John Tartaglia. The stage production presents the same plot as the 2001 DreamWorks movie in which the ogre Shrek, accompanied by a talking Donkey, travel across the land to rescue the fair Princess Fiona from her heavily-guarded tower. Within their adventure they face numerous obstacles, including angry villagers, a tiny king, and a very ugly curse.

From first curtain to curtain call, the production at Ridley was simply enchanting. The beautiful sets and flawless orchestra, coupled with the cast's never-ending energy and various character voices made for a very entertaining performance.

Amanda Daly was absolutely captivating as Princess Fiona. Daly's incredible voice range, coupled with her unbounded energy and facial expressions enhanced the sassy character, especially in songs like "I Think I Got You Beat." Vince Long gave an equally rousing performance as the titular Shrek, incorporating the ogre's signature dialect into every line and song.

Jake Mergott delighted audiences in his portrayal of the evil Lord Farquaad. In an impressive feat, Mergott maintained his character's flamboyant personality while still performing the entire show on his knees to accentuate Farquaad's short stature. The fairy tale ensemble was full of lively characters, each with their own distinct personality and voice. Although the ensemble was only on stage for a small period of time, each of their musical numbers was incredibly enjoyable to watch.

Although it was often difficult to hear some of the actors over the music or because of the microphones, the relentless effort put forth by the cast and crew overshadowed any flaws. The stage crew, led by Moira Cummings and Kyle Schrieber, worked silently and swiftly through numerous set changes, and even extended their talents on stage, incorporating puppetry in songs like "Travel Song" and "Forever."

The actors took their bows, and the curtain closed on Ridley High School's "Shrek the Musical." The story may have ended, but the fairy tale magic is never truly "ogre."