Last weekend, our family got to watch Shrek the Musical at the Newport Performing Arts Theater — and it was such a fun and memorable night! The show started at 8 PM and ended around 10:30 PM, so it was quite a full evening of laughter, songs, and magical storytelling.
I’ve watched Annie before in the same theater, so I already knew what to expect when it comes to the stage size and the sound system. This time, we got VIP seats, which I think were just perfect — not too near, not too far. There’s a Super VIP section, but honestly, I was glad we didn’t sit too close because the sound can get a bit loud. My watch even notified me that the sound levels were high at one point!
One thing I really appreciate about Newport Theater is how well-designed it is for all audiences. There are two giant screens on both sides of the stage, so even if you’re seated farther back, you won’t miss any expressions or moments on stage.
As for the play itself — we all loved it! The cast did such an amazing job. Their voices were powerful, the choreography was lively, and the stage props were absolutely incredible. The character of Lord Farquaad was everyone’s favorite — he had the whole theater laughing with every scene. We couldn’t stop talking about him over dinner afterwards!
The dragon scene was another standout moment. I could just imagine how much younger kids would love seeing that part come to life on stage. Though, since the show runs late until 10:30 PM, I think little ones might get sleepy toward the end — something parents might want to consider when choosing showtimes.
Personally, I still love the Shrek movie more (maybe because it’s part of my kids’ childhood memories), but the musical gave us a totally different kind of experience — one that’s shared, live, and full of energy. It was also our first time to see a show at Newport, so that made the night extra special.
The Filipino cast truly shined with their talent and dedication. From the costumes to the props, everything looked world-class. For the price of the tickets, I’d say it was absolutely worth it. My only regret? Not getting those cute Shrek ears from the Shrek Shoppe as a souvenir!
