Shrek The Musical is set to bring its beloved fairytale world to life at the Newport Performing Arts Theater starting October 31, 2025. A special press conference was held on August 13 at Newport World Resorts, where media, guests, and partners were treated to an exclusive preview of the show. Performances of musical numbers like “Who I’d Be,” “Don’t Let Me Go,” “I Know It’s Today,” and “I’m A Believer” gave a taste of what’s to come.
But beyond the high-energy performances and Broadway spectacle, the production is also tackling an important issue: the use of ableist humor and the responsibility of ensuring that inclusivity is not just a theme—but a practice.
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Assistant Director Cara Barredo shared how the creative team approached this with care: “Well, in any musical theater or show production, our strength and our power is always in showcasing the truth. So we won’t showcase the freaks as a spectacle. We are just showing it as it is and when truth is there, all the blurred lines are not as blurred—it’s very clear. So in our version, the freaks and the fairy folk are just gonna be them without making fun of what they’re supposed to be.”
Topper Fabregas, who plays Donkey, added, “Comedy is all about truth. If it is not truthful, it’s not gonna be funny at all. But what I also love about comedy and the brand of humor of the show—It pushes, it always kind of brings you to the edge. It has to have a little sense of danger in it so that you find it absolutely funny; the line between that dangerous line of like medyo konti na lang… (borderline offensive na) but at the same time still keeping the heart and the truth with the characters. And I think the script does that so beautifully. I mean, I honestly think it’s such a great adaptation of the movie which was always meant to be irreverent.”
Newport World Resorts’ Chief Hospitality Officer John Lucas described the show as “a world-class spectacle with a distinctly Filipino heart,” performed entirely by a Filipino cast and creative team. Directed by Dexter M. Santos and supported by a seasoned team including Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Ejay Yatco, the show promises a visual and emotional experience. “Like Shrek says, ogres have layers and so does this show,” said Associate Director Michael Stuart Williams. “It’s wildly funny, heartwarming, and visually spectacular… but what makes it truly special is how the performances, music, and design all peel back to reveal something real and relatable.”
The cast is led by Jamie Wilson as Shrek, Krystal Kane as Fiona, Topper Fabregas as Donkey, Alfredo Reyes as Lord Farquaad, and Julia Serad as Dragon. They’re joined by a vibrant ensemble of fairytale creatures and performers. The female ensemble includes Barbara Jance, Brianna Bunagan, Cydel Gabutero, Jannah Baniasia, Julia Santiago, Liway Perez, Ma. Francesca Mata, Meg Ruiz, Miah Canton, Mica Fajardo, Mikaela Regis, and Ring Antonio. The male ensemble features Alfritz Blanche, Chesko Rodriguez, Francis Gatmaytan, Franco Ramos, Ian Hermogenes, Jep Go, Jordan Andrews, Juancho Gabriel Escoto, Jules dela Paz, Khalil Tambio, Lord Kristoffer Logmao, Luigi Quesada, Marvin Ong, Noel Rayos, Rapah Manalo, Red Nuestro, and Rofe Villarino.
Swings, understudies, and covers include Alyanna Mikaela Wijangco (Female Swing), Noel Rayos (Male Swing – Fairy Folk Tracks), Yaweh Sangalang (Male Swing – Dancing Tracks), Nicco Dans (Shrek Cover), Cara Barredo (Fiona Cover), Marvin Ong (Donkey Understudy), Stephen Viñas (Lord Farquaad Cover), and Abi Sulit (Dragon Understudy).
Shrek The Musical is based on the DreamWorks film and the book by William Steig, with music by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. Tickets are now available at various outlets, starting at PHP 1,500. For more details, visit www.newportworldresorts.com/shrekthemusicalph.
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