After “Shrek Forever After,” it seemed that the loveable ogre and donkey duo were gone forever. But they are back, so far back that they are starting at the beginning.

Broadway Sacramento’s production has taken the first movie of the saga added more music. With the help of composer Jeanine Tesori and lyricist David Lindsay-Abaire, the loveable children’s movie is transformed into an enchanted story that takes place right in front of your eyes.

If you have seen the movie, then you might think you know this fairy tale. However, no screen can contain the explosion of energy that erupts from the Sacramento Community Center Theater. The ensemble of memorable fairytale creatures does an outstanding job of supporting the show. Sixteen actors dazzle the stage portraying characters like Pinocchio, the Three Bears, the Three Little Pigs, the Big Bad Wolf, Peter Pan, and of course the outspoken gingerbread person, Gingy.

These are just a few of the roles that the ensemble cast plays. The costume and puppet designer Tim Hateley, and the costume coordinator Austin K. Sanderson are responsible for the costumes and puppets that are the icing on the cake. But what pops out of the cake is a faux wee man who not only is intent on stealing the kingdom but set on stealing the show.

Lord Farquaad, played by actor Merritt David Janes, is perfectly cast. Janes stand 5’10” but on his knees, accompanied by a fancy cape he will make you question if he is half the man. Although he does a great job of hiding his second pair of legs, he leaves room for many comical surprises that will delight the audience.

The show is family-friendly but viewers of all ages make a ruckus each time Janes shows some leg. By the end of the night Lord Farquaad could not take a step on to the stage without completely capturing my attention.

“Shrek The Musical” stars also gave an amazing performance. André Jordan, who plays Donkey, is hilarious and insightful. His charisma is the perfect comic relief for the ripe love connection being portrayed by Lukas Poost and Liz Shivener. The pair of them is engaging and each gives captivating performances.

Poost does a reputable job of convincing people that he is mean and scary but he cannot hide the charm that he brings to the character. He battles with Shrek’s inner demons and comes out a hero. Shivener’s portrayal of Princess Fiona shows the birth of a new kind of princess. She was like a parfait and I enjoyed every layer of her.

Overall the show was magical. A movie in 3-D may seem interesting but nothing beats real life – even if is a fairytale.