DIRECTOR'S NOTES:
Shrek, the Musical is based on the successful, Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, Shrek, which is, in turn, based on the 1990 children's pciture book, Shrek! by William Steig. David Lindsay-Abaire (book) and Jason Moore (director) began working on the show in 2002, with composer Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline or Change; Violet), who joined the team in 2004.
The musical premiered in Seattle. Previews began August 14, 2008, with an opening night of September 10. The tryout played to generally favorable reviews, being cited as one of the few movie-to-stage adaptations "with heart".
The Broadway production starred Brian D'Arcy James as Shrek and Sutton Foster as Princess Fiona. Talkin' Broadway pronounced it," ...the best animated-film-to-stage transfer since Beauty and the Beast."
A number of changes - all for the good - were made to the production before the national tour. The production marked the debut of an all-new Dragon. The tour also featured a new opening and some new songs including a new song sung by the dragon entitled "Forever", replacing "Donkey Pot Pie". One of the more delightful aspects of Shrek, the Musical, are the many references to Broadway musicals, from Sweet Charity to The Lion King to Gypsy to Rent to A Chorus Line. The show won several Tony Awards, including best lead actor in a musical for Brian D'Arcy James, best costumes and best scenic design.
We hope you enjoy our production as much as we have enjoyed working on it!
This is our story....
