Shrek the Musical

This article is about the stage musical. For the series, see Shrek (series).

Shrek the Musical
Broadway Playbill cover
Music	Jeanine Tesori
Lyrics	David Lindsay-Abaire
Book	David Lindsay-Abaire
Basis	2001 DreamWorks film and 1990 book by William Steig
Productions	2008 Seattle (tryout) 2008 Broadway 2010 US National Tour 2010 Israel 2011 West End 2011 Gdynia 2011 Madrid 2012 Paris

Shrek the Musical is a musical with music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. It is based on the 2001 DreamWorks film Shrek and William Steig's 1990 book Shrek!. After a tryout in Seattle, the original Broadway production opened in December 2008, and closed after a run of over 12 months in January 2010. It was followed by a tour of the United States which opened in 2010. A re-vamped West End production opened in June 2011, with several international productions scheduled to open in the future.

History

Development

Lindsay-Abaire and Jason Moore (director) began working on the show in 2002, with Tesori joining the team from 2004. A reading took place on August 10, 2007, with Stephen Kramer Glickman in the title role, Celia Keenan-Bolger as Princess Fiona, Robert L. Daye, Jr. as Donkey and Christopher Sieber as Lord Farquaad.

Seattle Premiere (2008)

The musical premiered in an out-of-town tryout at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle. Previews began August 14, 2008, with an opening night of September 10. The tryout ran through September 21, and played to generally favorable reviews, being cited as one of the few movie-to-stage adaptations "with heart". The principal cast included Brian d'Arcy James as Shrek, Sutton Foster as Princess Fiona, Christopher Sieber as Lord Farquaad, Chester Gregory II as Donkey, John Tartaglia as Pinocchio and Kecia Lewis-Evans as the Dragon.

During previews, "I Could Get Used to This" was replaced by "Don't Let Me Go," and "Let Her In" became "Make a Move". Also during previews, a brief reprise of "Who I'd Be" was sung after Shrek overhears Fiona's misleading comment about being with a hideous beast, which led into "Build a Wall". This was cut and "Build a Wall" was placed after "Morning Person (Reprise)". "Build a Wall" was later cut during previews, but re-instated towards the end of the run.

Broadway Production (2008-10)

After extensive changes were made, the show began previews on Broadway at The Broadway Theatre on November 8, 2008, with the official opening on December 14. The cast included James as Shrek, Foster as Fiona, Sieber as Farquaad and Tartaglia as Pinocchio. Daniel Breaker took over the role of Donkey, as the creative team thought Chester Gregory II did not fit the part. The Dragon was voiced by company members Haven Burton, Aymee Garcia and Rachel Stern, instead of a soloist. Kecia Lewis-Evans, who played Dragon in Seattle, was offered a part in the show's ensemble but declined. Ben Crawford was the standby for Shrek, until he replaced d'Arcy James for the final months of performances.

Other changes the creative team made included the deletion of three songs: "The Line-Up," "More to the Story" and "I Smell a Happy Ending". "Story of My Life," "Build a Wall" and "This Is Our Story" were added in their respected places. "Who I'd Be" changed from being a solo for Shrek, to a trio with Fiona and Donkey joining him towards the end.

The song "I'm a Believer", which was originally played as the audience left the theatre, was added to the score on October 2, 2009, and sung by the entire company at the end of the performance.

The Broadway production closed on January 3, 2010, after 441 performances and 37 previews.

At the time, it was the most expensive musical to open on Broadway, and despite generally good reviews, it failed to recoup its initial investment. The show was then extremely modified for the national tour.

See list of Casting replacements.

North American tour (2010-11)

A national tour of North America began previews at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago, on July 13, 2010, with opening night on July 25. Rob Ashford is the co-director, as the Broadway creative team revised changes. The production marked the debut of an all-new Dragon. On the subject, set designer Tim Hatley stated "The biggest change [will be] the dragon. It will be a different creature from the puppet/soul trio on Broadway [but] I think we've finally gotten it right". The tour also features a new opening, new songs and improved illusions, from those on Broadway.

Many changes made for the tour include a new song sung by the dragon entitled "Forever," replacing "Donkey Pot Pie". Dragon is also voiced off-stage by a single vocalist, with four puppeteers controlling the movements of the new 25-foot puppet. The song would feature in all subsequent productions. Sets and props were re-designed to fit the tour, and certain music/lyrics and tempo's were re-written and re-defined. Also, to fit the revised storyline, "What's Up Duloc?" is placed before "I Know It's Today". The Magic Mirror was also cut.

The original touring cast featured Eric Petersen as Shrek, Haven Burton as Princess Fiona and Alan Mingo, Jr. as Donkey. Carrie Compere plays the Dragon, with Blakely Slaybaugh as Pinocchio. The role of Lord Farquaad was first played by Todd Buonopane, however, an unexplained departure from Buonopane lead David F.M. Vaughn, who was playing the Big Bad Wolf at the time and was first understudy for Farquaad, to assume the lead role. No explanation was given of Buonopane's departure. Petersen, Burton and Vaughn all understudied their roles on Broadway.

The tour played its final performance at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles on July 31, 2011, ahead of a non-equity tour in September.

See list of Casting replacements.

West End Production (2011-)

A newly revised scaled down version, which includes a new opening among other changes to appeal more to British audiences, began performances in the West End at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, on May 6, 2011. Headlining the production are Nigel Lindsay as Shrek, Richard Blackwood as Donkey, Nigel Harman as Lord Farquaad and Amanda Holden as Princess Fiona. Landi Oshinowo plays the Dragon, with Jonathan Stewart as Pinocchio.

Similar to the US Tour, the scenery follows traditional simple cloths and less-complex sets to those on Broadway. In the tribe of fairytale misfits, characters were changed to fit the UK audience. In order to shorten the running time of the show, the musical number "Build a Wall" was cut. "Don't Let Me Go" - which was intially written for the UK version with extra verses for Shrek to sing - featured in previews, but was removed before opening night: instead, dialogue is added in place of the lyrics.

The official opening night took place on June 14, 2011. Most critics were positive about the production, and in particular praised Harman's performance, branding him "hysterically funny". The production recently extended its booking period through October 21, 2012.

Kimberley Walsh, of UK pop group Girls Aloud, took over the role of Princess Fiona from October 5, 2011, after Holden announced her pregnancy.

On May 31, 2011, while the production was still in previews, the cast performed "I'm a Believer" on Britain's Got Talent, and on October 26, 2011, "Morning Person" on The Alan Titchmarsh Show lead by Walsh, which beforehand, featured an interview with Walsh and Nigel Harman. On Decemebr 26, 2011, Kimberley appeared on a 2011 Chistmas special of Jim'll Fix It hosted by Shane Ritchie, in which the show granted nine year old Emma Bate from Kingston, Cambridgeshire to appear in the show. In the show's third live televised performance, Walsh and cast performed "I Know It's Today" on This Morning, for the show broadcast January 6, 2012.

Dean Chisnall and Neil McDermott shall replace Lindsay and Harman as Shrek and Lord Farquaad, respectively, beginning February 29, 2012.

See list of Casting replacements.

Non-Equity tour (2011-12)

A second tour of North America, produced by NETworks and featuring a Non-Equity cast, launched September 9, 2011, at the Capitol Theatre in Yakima, Washington. Lukas Poost is Shrek, with Liz Shivener as Princess Fiona, André Jordan as Donkey and Merritt David Janes as Lord Farquaad. Also in the cast is Luke Yellin as Pinocchio and Kelly Teal Goyette as the Dragon.

The tour official opened in Portland, Oregon on September 13. Changes made for the London production, including the new opening, will be incorporated into the tour (with the exception of musical number "Don't Let Me Go", which is still featured). The NETworks tour runs through April 29, 2012, with the final show in Springfield, Missouri.

See list of Casting replacements.

2nd Non-Equity Tour (2013-2014)

A second non-equity tour, produced by Theatre League, is currently schedule for the 2013-2014 touring season. It will be scaled down from the previous NETworks tours production, playing smaller venues. Currently, the only announced tour location is Santa Barbara, CA at the Granada Theatre from March 26-27, 2013. No principal or ensemble casting has been announced yet.

International Productions (2010-12)

Israel, Asia (2010)

A down-scale version of the musical played Israel, Western Asia, in August 2010. Dvir Bendek starred in the title role, with Dana Frieder as Princess Fiona, Yaacov Cohen as Donkey and Zion Baruch as Lord Farquaad. It featured Hebrew translations of the original book and score, with changes in staging, sets, costumes, among other elements.

Gdynia, Poland (2011-)

A Polish-language production opened in Gdynia on September 1, 2011. Several actors share the principal roles: Rafał Ostrowski, Paweł Tucholski and Jacek Wester as Shrek, Agnieszka Babicz, Magdalena Smuk and Marta Wiejak as Princess Fiona, Kamil Dominiak, Tomasz Więcek and Krzysztof Wojciechowski as Donkey, and Łukasz Dziedzic, Sebastian Wisłocki and Janusz Żak as Lord Farquaad. The original book and score remain (Polish translation), with a differ in sets, costumes, staging and other elements.

Madrid, Spain (2011)

At Madrid’s Nuevo Apolo Theatre, a Spanish-language production opened on September 21, 2011. It is currently booking through January 8, 2012. The cast featured Enrique Sequero and Miguel A. Gamero sharing the title role, with Mirela Cabero and Silvia Villaú as Princess Fiona, Héctor Fernández and Jorge Bettancor alternating as Donkey, and Jaume Ortanobas or Antonio Rodenas as Lord Farquaad. A Spanish translation of the original book and score was used; with vast changes in sets, costumes and staging, among other elements.

Paris, France (2012)

A French-language production plays Casino de Paris beginning February 8, 2012, on a run through March 4. The original book and score are translated into French. The down-scale version features original sets and costumes. Principal cast members include Michel Lerousseau (Shrek), Nathalie Lhermitte (Princess Fiona), Guillaume Beaujolais (Lord Farquaad) and Julien Plantier (Donkey).

Sao Paulo, Brazil (2012-)

A production is planned for Brazil, beginning in April 2012.

Italian Tour (2012-)

A tour of Italy will launch on August 31, 2012, in Pavia.

Australia (2012)

Australian theatre producer John Frost responsible for the Australian production of Wicked, has owned the rights to produce the show, which is set to be staged in Australia by 2012. "A theatre [and location] is yet to be chosen".

Manila, Philippines (2012)

A production will run November 16 through December 9, 2012. It will feature new designs rendered especially for the Manila engagement.

Synopses

Broadway

Act I

Our story begins with an ogre named Shrek telling the audience of his childhood, and how, on his seventh birthday, his parents send him out of their house and into the world to make his living. They warn him that because of his looks, everyone will hate him, and he will not have a happy ending. Later, an embittered, hardened Shrek is living contentedly alone in a swamp ("Big Bright Beautiful World"). His solitude is disrupted when all the fairy-tale beings of the land begin showing up on his property, including Pinocchio, Peter Pan, the Ugly Duckling and the Three Bears. They reveal of their exile from the Kingdom of Duloc, by order of the diminutive Lord Farquaad ("Story of My Life"). Shrek decides to travel to see Farquaad to try to regain his privacy with much encouragement from Pinocchio and the gang ("The Goodbye Song"). Along the way, Shrek reluctantly rescues a talkative Donkey from some of Farquaad's goons. Donkey insists on tagging along ("Don't Let Me Go").

Meanwhile, Lord Farquaad is torturing Gingy into revealing the whereabouts of the princess he wishes to marry to become king. They are interrupted by Thelonious, who reveals that Farquaad's guards have acquired the Magic Mirror. The Mirror reveals that Princess Fiona is currently trapped in a castle surrounded by lava and guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. Farquaad rushes out to prepare for the wedding before the Mirror can tell him what happens to Fiona at night. The Mirror then shows the audience the story of Fiona's childhood. A seven-year-old Fiona dreams of the brave knight who, her storybooks tell her, will one day rescue her from her tower and end her mysterious curse with "True Love's First Kiss". As she grows into a teenager, and then a headstrong woman, she becomes a little bit stir-crazy and bi-polar, but she never loses her faith in her fairy tales ("I Know It's Today"). Shrek and Donkey arrive in Duloc and make their way to Farquaad's palace. Elsewhere, Farquaad expresses his love for his kingdom ("Welcome to Duloc" / "What's Up, Duloc?"). Shrek and Donkey approach Farquaad. Impressed with the size and appearance of the ogre, Farquaad demands that Shrek perform the rescue, and in return, he will give Shrek the deed to his swamp.

The two unlikely friends set off to find Fiona, with Shrek becoming increasingly annoyed with the chatterbox Donkey as time progresses ("Travel Song"). After crossing the rickety old bridge and arriving at the castle, Shrek sets off alone to rescue Fiona while Donkey encounters a ferocious female Dragon who initially wants to eat him, but then wants to keep him for her own after Donkey manages to charm her ("Donkey Pot Pie"). When Shrek finds Fiona, his lack of interest in playing out her desired, romantic rescue scene annoys her, and Shrek must drag her off by force. The two of them reunite with Donkey and all three attempt to escape while being chased by the angry Dragon. Shrek traps Dragon and they get to safe land ("This Is How A Dream Comes True"). Fiona then insists that Shrek reveal his identity and is appalled that her rescuer is an ogre and not the Prince Charming her stories indicate. Shrek explains that he is merely her champion; instead, she is to wed Lord Farquaad. The trio begins their journey back to Farquaad's palace, but Fiona becomes apprehensive as the sun begins to set. She insists that they rest for the night and that she spend the night, alone, in a nearby cave. Donkey and Shrek remain awake, and Donkey, delighted at being referred to by Fiona as a "noble steed," asks Shrek who he would be, if he did not have to be an ogre anymore. As Shrek opens up to his new friend, Fiona, transformed into an ogress, stands apart and alone in the moonlight and listens ("Who I'd Be").

Act II

The next day, Princess Fiona rises early and sings with a bluebird and dances with a deer (before making the bird explode and throwing the deer off a cliff) and assists the Pied Piper in his rat-charming duties ("Morning Person"). Shrek brings down her mood by attempting to give subtle hints about her groom-to-be ("Men of Farquaad's stature are in short supply", "He's very good at small talk", etc.) and mocking her tragic childhood circumstances. The two begin a contest of one-upmanship, each trying to outdo the other by revealing their respective pasts ("I Think I Got You Beat"). Both admit to being thrown out by their parents; this connection, as well as bonding over a love of disgusting bodily noises, kindles friendship.

Meanwhile, back in Duloc, Lord Farquaad plans his wedding, and he reveals his own sordid heritage after Thelonious insists that Farquaad should invite his father ("The Ballad of Farquaad"). As Shrek and Fiona's newfound camaraderie grows into love, Donkey insists, with the help of the Three Blind Mice, that Shrek should gather his courage and romantically engage Fiona ("Make a Move"). Shrek, finally beginning to come out of his caustic, protective shell, tries to find the words to explain his feelings to Fiona ("When Words Fail").

While Shrek is out finding a flower for Fiona, Donkey discovers that Fiona turns into an ogress at night, and she confesses that she was cursed as a child, which is why she was locked away in the tower. Only a kiss from her true love will return her to her proper form. Shrek arrives near the end of the conversation and misunderstands Fiona's description of herself as an ugly beast to be referencing him. Hurt by her presumed opinion, Shrek storms off. The next day, transformed back to her human form, Fiona decides to tell Shrek about her curse ("Morning Person (Reprise)"). When Fiona tries to explain, Shrek rebuffs her. During the night, Shrek was contacted by Lord Farquaad, who arrives now to claim Princess Fiona. While not very impressed with Farquaad, Fiona agrees to marry him and insists that they have the wedding before sunset. As they ride back to Duloc, Donkey tries to explain the misunderstanding to Shrek (who is too angry to listen), and Shrek rejects him as well, declaring that he will return to his swamp alone and build a wall to shield himself from the world ("Build a Wall").

The fairy tale creatures, now headed for a landfill which is to be their new home, decide Farquaad's treatment of them is intolerable. Just because they are freaks does not mean they deserve to be hated. Gingy, Pinocchio and the others gather new confidence and strength in themselves as they declare they will raise their "Freak Flag" high against their tormentors ("Freak Flag").

Shrek returns to his again-private swamp, but he misses Fiona. Donkey follows him back, and convinces Shrek of his friendship by forgiving the ogre for his harsh words. Shrek apologizes, and Donkey convinces him that Fiona really cares for the ogre. Both of them hurry back to Duloc. Shrek interrupts the wedding before Farquaad can kiss Fiona, and Fiona convinces him to let Shrek speak with her. Shrek finally finds the words to express his feelings for Fiona, and he declares his love for her ("Big Bright Beautiful World (Reprise)"). However, his declaration of love is mocked by Lord Farquaad. Caught between love and her desire to break the curse, Fiona tries to escape the event, but the exiled fairy tale beings storm the wedding and protest their banishment. They are accompanied by a grumpy little dwarf, who is, in fact, Farquaad's father. Farquaad claimed earlier that Grumpy abandoned him in the woods as a child, but the dwarf reveals the true reason he kicked Farquaad out: He was, in fact, 28 and wouldn't move out of his basement. During the argument, the sun sets, causing Fiona to turn into an ogress in front of everyone. Farquaad, furious and disgusted over the change, orders that Shrek be killed and Fiona banished back to her tower. As Farquaad proclaims himself the new king, Shrek whistles for the Dragon, who has now escaped the castle. Dragon crashes through the window with Donkey and destroys Lord Farquaad with her fire breath. Admitting their love for each other, Shrek and Fiona share a kiss. Fiona's curse is broken and she takes her true form: an ogress. At first, she is ashamed of her looks, but Shrek declares that she is still beautiful. Shrek and Fiona begin a new life together, as everyone celebrates what makes them special ("This Is Our Story"). They all live happily ever after ("I'm a Believer"*).

• Note: "I'm a Believer" was added to the score of the Broadway production on October 2, 2009 and has since been used in all subsequent productions.

West End

Act I

Our story begins with an ogre named Shrek telling the audience of his childhood, and how, on his seventh birthday, his parents send him out of their house and into the world to make his living. They warn him that because of his looks, everyone will hate him, and he will not have a happy ending. As Princess Fiona interrupts the story, we are given a glimpse into her childhood in which King Harold and Queen Lillian are sending Fiona off to her tower, before Shrek slams the book shut claiming a "technical hitch". Forced to fend for himself, Shrek returns to the only life he has ever known, living contentedly alone in a swamp ("Big Bright Beautiful World"). His solitude is disrupted when all the fairy-tale beings of the land begin showing up on his property, including Pinocchio, Peter Pan, the Ugly Duckling and the Three Bears. They reveal of their exile from the Kingdom of Duloc, by order of the diminutive Lord Farquaad ("Story of My Life"). Shrek decides to travel to see Farquaad to try to regain his privacy with much encouragement from Pinocchio and the gang ("The Goodbye Song"). Along the way, Shrek reluctantly rescues a talkative Donkey from some of Farquaad's goons. Donkey insists on tagging along, making Shrek see that they are more alike than he thinks.

Meanwhile, Lord Farquaad is torturing Gingy into revealing the whereabouts of the princess he wishes to marry to become king. The cookie reveals that Princess Fiona is currently trapped in a castle surrounded by lava and guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. Farquaad rushes out to prepare for the wedding before Gingy (who is subsequently taken to the swamp) can tell him what happens to Fiona at night. Shrek and Donkey arrive in Duloc and make their way to Farquaad's palace. Elsewhere, Farquaad expresses his love for his Kingdom ("Welcome to Duloc" / "What's Up, Duloc?"). Shrek and Donkey approach Farquaad. Impressed with the size and appearance of the ogre, Farquaad demands that Shrek perform the rescue, and in return, he will give Shrek the deed to his swamp.

Shrek and Donkey set off to find the princess. As they discuss the tale of the damsel-in-distress, the story reverts back to a seven-year-old Fiona, dreaming of the brave knight who, her storybooks tell her, will one day rescue her from her tower, and end her mysterious curse with "True Love's First Kiss". As she grows into a teenager, and then a headstrong woman, she becomes a little bit stir-crazy and bi-polar, but she never loses her faith in her fairy tales ("I Know It's Today"). The two unlikely friends set off to find Fiona, with Shrek becoming increasingly annoyed with the chatterbox Donkey as time progresses ("Travel Song"). After crossing the rickety old bridge and arriving at the castle, Shrek sets off alone to rescue Fiona while Donkey encounters a ferocious female Dragon who initially wants to eat him, but then wants to keep him for her own after Donkey manages to charm her ("Forever"). When Shrek finds Fiona, his lack of interest in playing out her desired, romantic rescue scene annoys her, and Shrek must drag her off by force. The two of them reunite with Donkey and all three attempt to escape while being chased by an angry Dragon. Shrek traps Dragon and they get to safe land ("This Is How A Dream Comes True"). Fiona then insists that Shrek reveal his identity and is appalled that her rescuer is an ogre and not the Prince Charming her stories indicate. Shrek explains that he is merely her champion; instead, she is to wed Lord Farquaad. The trio begins their journey back to Farquaad's palace, but Fiona becomes apprehensive as the sun begins to set. She insists that they rest for the night and that she spend the night, alone, in a nearby cave. Donkey and Shrek remain awake, and Donkey, delighted at being referred to by Fiona as a "noble steed," asks Shrek who he would be, if he did not have to be an ogre anymore. As Shrek opens up to his new friend, Fiona, transformed into an ogress, stands apart and alone in the moonlight and listens ("Who I'd Be").

Act II

The next day, Princess Fiona rises early and sings with a bluebird and dances with a deer (before making the bird explode and throwing the deer off a cliff) and assists the Pied Piper in his rat-charming duties ("Morning Person"). Shrek brings down her mood by attempting to give subtle hints about her groom-to-be ("Men of Farquaad's stature are in short supply", "He's very good at small talk", etc.) and mocking her tragic childhood circumstances. The two begin a contest of one-upmanship, each trying to outdo the other by revealing their respective pasts ("I Think I Got You Beat"). Both admit to being thrown out by their parents; this connection, as well as bonding over a love of disgusting bodily noises, kindles friendship.

Meanwhile, back in Duloc, Lord Farquaad plans his wedding, and he reveals his own sordid heritage after Thelonious insists that Farquaad should invite his father ("The Ballad of Farquaad"). As Shrek and Fiona's newfound camaraderie grows into love, Donkey insists, with the help of the Three Blind Mice, that Shrek should gather his courage and romantically engage Fiona ("Make a Move"). Shrek, finally beginning to come out of his caustic, protective shell, tries to find the words to explain his feelings to Fiona ("When Words Fail").

While Shrek is out finding a flower for Fiona, Donkey discovers that Fiona turns into an ogress at night, and she confesses that she was cursed as a child, which is why she was locked away in the tower. Only a kiss from her true love will return her to her proper form. Shrek arrives near the end of the conversation and misunderstands Fiona's description of herself as an ugly beast to be referencing him. Hurt by her presumed opinion, Shrek storms off. The next day, transformed back to her human form, Fiona decides to tell Shrek about her curse ("Morning Person (Reprise)"). When Fiona tries to explain, Shrek rebuffs her. During the night, Shrek was contacted by Lord Farquaad, who arrives now to claim Princess Fiona. While not very impressed with Farquaad, Fiona agrees to marry him and insists that they have the wedding before sunset. As they ride back to Duloc, Donkey tries to explain the misunderstanding to Shrek (who is too angry to listen), and Shrek rejects him as well, declaring that he will return to his swamp alone.

The fairy tale creatures, now headed for a landfill which is to be their new home, decide Farquaad's treatment of them is intolerable. Just because they are freaks does not mean they deserve to be hated. Gingy, Pinocchio and the others gather new confidence and strength in themselves as they declare they will raise their "Freak Flag" high against their tormentors ("Freak Flag").

Shrek returns to his again-private swamp, but he misses Fiona. Donkey follows him back, and convinces Shrek of his friendship by forgiving the ogre for his harsh words. Shrek apologizes, and Donkey convinces him that Fiona really cares for the ogre. Both of them hurry back to Duloc. Shrek interrupts the wedding before Farquaad can kiss Fiona, and Fiona convinces him to let Shrek speak with her. Shrek finally finds the words to express his feelings for Fiona, and he declares his love for her ("Big Bright Beautiful World (Reprise)"). However, his declaration of love is mocked by Lord Farquaad. Caught between love and her desire to break the curse, Fiona tries to escape the event, but the exiled fairy tale beings storm the wedding and protest their banishment. They are accompanied by a grumpy little dwarf, who is, in fact, Farquaad's father. Farquaad claimed earlier that Grumpy abandoned him in the woods as a child, but the dwarf reveals the true reason he kicked Farquaad out: He was, in fact, 28 and wouldn't move out of his basement. During the argument, the sun sets, causing Fiona to turn into an ogress in front of everyone. Farquaad, furious and disgusted over the change, orders that Shrek be killed and Fiona banished back to her tower. As Farquaad proclaims himself the new king, Shrek whistles for the Dragon, who has now escaped the castle. Dragon crashes through the window with Donkey and destroys Lord Farquaad with her fire breath. Admitting their love for each other, Shrek and Fiona share a kiss. Fiona's curse is broken and she takes her true form: an ogress. At first, she is ashamed of her looks, but Shrek declares that she is still beautiful. Shrek and Fiona begin a new life together, as everyone celebrates what makes them special ("This Is Our Story"). They all live happily ever after ("I'm a Believer").

Casts

The original principal casts of all major productions.

	Seattle Tryout	Broadway	US National Tour	West End	Non-Equity Tour
Shrek	Brian d'Arcy James		Eric Petersen	Nigel Lindsay	Lukas Poost
Princess Fiona	Sutton Foster		Haven Burton	Amanda Holden	Liz Shivener
Donkey	Chester Gregory II	Daniel Breaker	Alan Mingo, Jr.	Richard Blackwood	André Jordan
Lord Farquaad	Christopher Sieber		David F.M. Vaughn≠	Nigel Harman	Merritt David Janes
Dragon	Kecia Lewis-Evans	Haven Burton Aymee Garcia Rachel Stern	Carrie Compere	Landi Oshinowo	Kelly Teal Goyette
Pinocchio	John Tartaglia		Blakely Slaybaugh	Jonathan Stewart	Luke Yellin

≠ Todd Buonopane played Lord Farquaad during US Tour previews, but an unexplained departure before opening lead Vaughn to assume the role.

(For full cast details see Shrek the Musical cast lists.)

Banished fairytale creatures

Broadway Line-Up (17)

• Pinocchio
• Sugar Plum Fairy & Gingy
• Bricks
• Sticks
• Straw
• Big Bad Wolf
• Wicked Witch
• Mama Bear
• Papa Bear
• Baby Bear
• Peter Pan
• Ugly Duckling
• Humpty Dumpty / Tweedle Dum≠
• White Rabbit
• Fairy Godmother
• Gnome
• Shoemaker's Elf

West End Line-Up (18)

• Pinocchio
• Sugar Plum Fairy & Gingy
• Bricks
• Sticks
• Straw
• Big Bad Wolf
• Wicked Witch
• Mama Bear
• Papa Bear
• Baby Bear
• Peter Pan
• Ugly Duckling
• Humpty Dumpty
• White Rabbit
• Fairy Godmother
• Mad Hatter
• Tweedle Dee
• Tweedle Dum

US National Tour Line-Up (14)

• Pinocchio
• Sugar Plum Fairy
• Bricks
• Sticks
• Straw
• Big Bad Wolf
• Wicked Witch
• Mama Bear & Gingy
• Papa Bear
• Baby Bear
• Peter Pan
• Ugly Duckling
• Shoemaker's Elf
• Tweedle Dum

Non-Equity Tour Line-Up (14)

• Pinocchio
• Sugar Plum Fairy & Gingy
• Bricks
• Sticks
• Straw
• Big Bad Wolf
• Wicked Witch
• Mama Bear
• Papa Bear
• Baby Bear
• Peter Pan
• Ugly Duckling
• Shoemaker's Elf
• Fairy Godmother

≠ Towards the end of the Broadway run, Humpty Dumpty was replaced by Tweedle Dum.

Production references

• Puss in Boots makes a silent cameo appearance during the "Travel Song". He tips his hat to Shrek and Donkey and walks away. Later, a bunny screams after Shrek calls him delicious. A cow jumps over the moon, and a dish runs away with a spoon, while being pursued by the police. Shrek and Donkey later see a giraffe and gazelles which look like the gazelle wheel in The Lion King (an excerpt from "Circle of Life" plays during this part of the song).
• King Harold and Queen Lillian originally sang a part during "Big Bright Beautiful World," explaining to Young Fiona that all ogres are monsters unloved by everyone. Now they walk past Young Shrek, taking Young Fiona with them. She waves at Shrek, but they lead her away (the guards preceding them give the impression that they are taking Fiona to her tower). This was later cut out of the Broadway production. A similar part was re-introduced for the national tour and London productions.
• Most of the spoken lines are taken from the first film, including the Muffin Man scene between Farquaad and Gingy, and Fiona explaining the curse to Donkey.
• "Welcome to Duloc" is the only original song from the film sung in the musical. It is sung by the Duloc Dancers, who resemble the puppets that sing it in the film.
• Originally the orchestra played "I'm a Believer" after the curtain call, but as of October 2, 2009 it is sung by the entire company at the end of the performance.
• At the end of "What's up, Duloc?", Lord Farquaad references Defying Gravity from the Broadway musical Wicked, when he sings, "..and no ones gonna bring me down!" followed by the famous ending note. Also, the oft-repeated line 'Hey-nonny-nonny-nonny-no' is taken from the song "Shy" from Once Upon a Mattress.
• At the end of "Forever", the Dragon's final line is a reference to the Dreamgirls song "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going".
• Julie Andrews, who played Queen Lillian in Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, and Shrek Forever After, provides the voice for the audio instructions before each performance that reminds the audience to turn off their cell phones, the use of recording devices is forbidden, etc. and "if you refuse, a terrifying ogre will leap from the stage, lift you from your seat, and drag you far, far away."
• During "Story of My Life", one of the show's musical numbers, Mama Bear sings "Mama's in the mud, Mama's in distress," which is a nod to the song "Rose's Turn" from the musical Gypsy.
• During "Freak Flag" a flag is waved around with a face on it, which resembles the famous logo of young Cosette from Les Misérables.
• During a part of "Don't Let Me Go" on the national tour, Donkey sings to the music of "Take Me or Leave Me" and "I'll Cover You" from Rent.

Musical numbers

Broadway

Act I

• "Overture" / "Big Bright Beautiful World" – Mama Ogre, Papa Ogre, Shrek
• "Story of My Life" – Guard, Fairytale Creatures
• "The Goodbye Song" – Shrek, Fairytale Creatures≠
• "Don't Let Me Go" – Donkey
• "I Know It's Today" – Young Fiona, Teen Fiona, Adult Fiona
• "Welcome to Duloc" / "What's Up, Duloc?" – Lord Farquaad, Duloc Performers
• "Travel Song" – Donkey, Shrek
• "Donkey Pot Pie" – Donkey, Dragon
• "This is How a Dream Comes True" – Fiona, Shrek, Donkey, Dragon
• "Who I'd Be" – Shrek, Fiona, Donkey

Act II

• "Morning Person" – Fiona, Pied Piper
• "I Think I Got You Beat" – Fiona, Shrek
• "The Ballad of Farquaad" – Lord Farquaad, Guards
• "Make a Move" – Donkey, Three Blind Mice
• "When Words Fail" – Shrek
• "Morning Person" (Reprise) – Fiona
• "Build a Wall" – Shrek
• "Freak Flag" – Fairytale Creatures
• "Big Bright Beautiful World" (Reprise) – Shrek
• "This Is Our Story" – Fiona, Shrek, Donkey, Fairytale Creatures
• "I'm a Believer" – Entire Company≠ (as of October 2, 2009)

≠ Not included on the original Broadway cast recording.

West End

Act I

• "Overture" / "Big Bright Beautiful World" – Shrek, Mama Ogre, Papa Ogre, Fiona, King Harold, Queen Lillian, Villagers
• "Story of My Life" – Guard, Fairytale Creatures
• "The Goodbye Song" – Shrek, Fairytale Creatures
• "Welcome to Duloc" / "What's Up, Duloc?" – Lord Farquaad, Duloc Performers
• "I Know It's Today" – Young Fiona, Teen Fiona, Adult Fiona
• "Travel Song" – Donkey, Shrek
• "Forever" – Dragon, Donkey, Knights
• "This is How a Dream Comes True" – Fiona, Shrek, Donkey, Dragon
• "Who I'd Be" – Shrek, Fiona, Donkey

Act II

• "Morning Person" – Fiona, Pied Piper, Rats
• "I Think I Got You Beat" – Fiona, Shrek
• "The Ballad of Farquaad" – Lord Farquaad, Guards
• "Make a Move" – Donkey, Three Blind Mice
• "When Words Fail" – Shrek
• "Morning Person" (Reprise) – Fiona
• "Freak Flag" – Fairytale Creatures
• "Big Bright Beautiful World" (Reprise) – Shrek
• "This Is Our Story" – Fiona, Shrek, Donkey, Fairytale Creatures
• "I'm a Believer" – Entire Company

Recordings

The original Broadway cast recording was recorded on January 12, 2009 and was released on March 24, 2009 by Decca Broadway Records.

The album debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Cast Albums chart and #88 on the Billboard 200.

"I'm a Believer" is also not featured on the recording as it was only added to the score on October 2, 2009. Instead, it was released as part of a Highlighted Cast Recording, released on November 17, 2009, and is also available to download via iTunes, as is the song "More to the Story", sung by Fiona, which was cut from the final Broadway production.

On December 4, 2009, when the Grammy Award nominees were announced, the cast recording was nominated for Best Musical Show Album.

"Donkey Pot Pie" (which is included on the show's cast recording) was later replaced by "Forever" for the national tour and all subsequent productions. The song became available on iTunes in 2011. It was recorded during a live performance of the national tour in Chicago, and features Carrie Compere (Dragon) and Alan Mingo, Jr. (Donkey).

An original Spanish-language cast recording featuring the Madrid cast was recorded between August and September of 2011, and released in September. The Spanish album includes later added songs "Forever" and "I'm a Believer".

Reception

The musical received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Ben Brantley wrote in The New York Times: "'Shrek,' for the record, is not bad.... As the title character, a misanthropic green ogre who learns to love, the talented Mr. James is... encumbered with padding and prosthetics.... As the evil, psychologically maimed Lord Farquaad, the very droll Christopher Sieber is required to walk on his knees, with tiny fake legs dangling before him — an initially funny sight gag that soon drags". He praises Sutton Foster as "an inspired, take-charge musical comedian.... Ms. Foster manages both to make fun of and exult in classical musical-comedy moves while creating a real, full character at the same time."

Variety noted that the production had a reported budget of $24 million. Any "theme-park cutesiness is offset by the mischievous humor in David Lindsay-Abaire's book and lyrics. The production's real achievement, however, is that the busy visuals and gargantuan set-pieces never overwhelm the personalities of the actors or their characters. The ensemble is talented and the four leads, in particular, couldn't be better."

The Associated Press said that "the folks at DreamWorks have done their darndest to make sure we are entertained at "Shrek the Musical," the company's lavish stage adaptation of its hit animated movie. For much of the time, they succeed, thanks to the talent and ingratiating appeal of the show's four principal performers. The show's massive sets and colorful costumes (both courtesy of Tim Hatley) are so visually eye-catching that they often distract from what's going on with the story and score. Composer Jeanine Tesori has written attractive, eclectic, pop-flavored melodies that range from a jaunty Travel Song to a gutsy duet called I Got You Beat for Shrek and Fiona that revels in rude noises." The review also noted that Lindsay-Abaire's lyrics are often fun and quite witty.

USA Today gave the show three and ½ out of four stars, writing: "Shrek, which draws from William Steig's book about a lovable ogre and the DreamWorks animated movie that it inspired, is nonetheless a triumph of comic imagination with a heart as big and warm as Santa's. It is the most ingeniously wacky, transcendently tasteless Broadway musical since The Producers, and more family-friendly than that gag-fest." The review also noted, however, that "Like other musical adaptations of hit films, Shrek... leans heavily on winking satire. There are the usual nods to more fully realized shows, from Gypsy to A Chorus Line, and Jeanine Tesori's blandly ingratiating score doesn't feature any songs you're likely to be humming 20 years from now."

Awards and nominations

Original Broadway production

Year	Award Ceremony	Category	Nominee	Result	Ref
2009	Drama Desk Award	Outstanding Musical		Nominated
		Outstanding Book of a Musical	David Lindsay-Abaire	Nominated
		Outstanding Actor in a Musical	Brian d'Arcy James	Won
			Daniel Breaker	Nominated
		Outstanding Actress in a Musical	Sutton Foster	Nominated
		Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical	Christopher Sieber	Nominated
		Outstanding Director of a Musical	Jason Moore	Nominated
		Outstanding Music	Jeanine Tesori	Nominated
		Outstanding Lyrics	David Lindsay-Abaire	Nominated
		Outstanding Set Design	Tim Hatley	Won
		Outstanding Costume Design		Won
		Outstanding Orchestrations	Danny Troob	Nominated
	Drama League Award	Distinguished Production of a Musical		Nominated
		Distinguished Performance	Sutton Foster	Nominated
			Christopher Sieber	Nominated
	Grammy Award	Best Musical Show Album		Nominated
	Outer Critics Circle Award	Best Musical		Nominated
		Best Actor in a Musical	Brian d'Arcy James	Won
		Best Actress in a Musical	Sutton Foster	Won
		Best Featured Actor in a Musical	Christopher Sieber	Nominated
			Daniel Breaker	Nominated
		Best Director of a Musical	Jason Moore	Nominated
		Outstanding Choreographer	Josh Prince	Nominated
		Outstanding Set Design	Tim Hatley	Won
		Outstanding Costume Design		Won
		Best Score		Nominated
	Tony Award	Best Musical		Nominated
		Best Book of a Musical	David Lindsay-Abaire	Nominated
		Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical	Brian d'Arcy James	Nominated
		Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical	Sutton Foster	Nominated
		Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical	Christopher Sieber	Nominated
		Best Costume Design of a Musical	Tim Hatley	Won
		Best Original Score	Jeanine Tesori	Nominated
		Best Orchestrations	Danny Troob and John Clancy	Nominated

Original London production

Year	Award Ceremony	Category	Nominee	Result	Ref
2011	WhatsOnStage.com Theatregoers' Choice Awards	Best New Musical		Nominated
		Best Actor in a Musical	Nigel Lindsay	Nominated
		Best Actress in a Musical	Amanda Holden	Won
		Best Supporting Actor in a Musical	Nigel Harman	Won
		Best Takeover in a Role	Kimberley Walsh	Nominated

External links

• Production site for West End
• Production site for Non-Equity Tour
• Production site for Madrid, Spain
• Shrek the Musical at the Internet Broadway Database