‘Shrek The Musical’ channels Broadway greatness, the Filipino way
Newport World Resorts’ highly anticipated staging of “Shrek The Musical” puts a beloved Broadway hit in the expert hands of an all-Filipino creative team whose experiences span international stages, local icons, and award-winning productions. With Broadway as blueprint and Filipino excellence as foundation, the production will redefine localizing a global musical hit.
Dexter Santos
Director and musical staging
Helming the production is acclaimed director and choreographer Dexter M. Santos, whose work has defined the Philippine theater landscape with shows like “Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical,” “Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo,” and “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical.” With over 150 stage productions under his belt and a reputation for bold, movement-driven storytelling, Santos brings vision and heart to the world of “Shrek The Musical,” crafting a version that honors its Broadway roots while highlighting Filipino talent and ingenuity.
Michael Williams
Associate director
Joining Dexter Santos is Michael Williams, co-artistic director of Full House Theater Company, who serves as associate director for this production. With a career that began in 1983 and stretches from Repertory Philippines to the West End - where he was part of the original Miss Saigon - Williams brings a perspective shaped by homegrown rigor and international exposure. His understanding of what makes a Broadway musical tick is part of the production’s backbone.
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo
Artistic director
Providing the production’s artistic direction is Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, known to many as the First Lady of Philippine Musical Theater. Menchu has lived and breathed musicals since the late 1970s and has played some of the most iconic roles in stage history, including Eva Peron in “Evita,” Fantine in “Les Misérables,” and the Witch in “Into the Woods.” Her presence behind the scenes brings a level of fines.
Ejay Yatco
Music director
The show’s musical direction is led by Ejay Yatco, a multi-awarded composer and pianist whose work spans original Filipino musicals, pop concerts, and television. His ability to breathe new life into established material while maintaining its core makes him the perfect fit for a musical as well-loved - and musically demanding - as “Shrek The Musical.” Yatco’s direction sets an energetic musical score, performed by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Mickey Jacinto.
Stephen Viñas
Choreographer
Choreographer Stephen Viñas bridges the physical storytelling of Broadway with a movement language that is unmistakably Filipino. A Gawad Buhay awardee for “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” Viñas shapes every stomp, spin, and stillness into choreographic sequences. All these are essential in a show populated by ogres, dragons, and dancing fairy tale creatures.
The roots of “Shrek The Musical” came from a swamp far, far away, but the Philippine staging of the production hits close to home. Staying true to the heart, humor, and spectacle of its Broadway roots, the production that is led by a powerhouse Filipino creative team, peels back the layers of this beloved story with precision and pride.
The musical is based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig. It features book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori. The hit musical was originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions. Shrek The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), New York, NY, USA. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
Catch “Shrek The Musical” beginning Oct. 31 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Additional November shows are now open. Tickets are available at Ticketworld, Newport World Resorts Box Office, and Helixpay: PHP 4,500 (SVIP), PHP 4,000 (VIP), PHP 3,000 (GOLD), PHP 2,000 (SILVER), and PHP 1,500 (BRONZE). For inquiries, contact customer care at 7908-8888 or info@fhtcentertainment.com.
For more information on “Shrek The Musical,” visit www.newportworldresorts.com/shrekthemusicalph and follow @newportworldresorts and @nwr.musicals on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Join Newport World Resorts Viber Community at https://newportwr.com/nwrvibercommunity for exclusive updates. Every visit is made more rewarding with an Epic Rewards membership, download the Epic Rewards Mobile App for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.