Shrek is Coming to Broadway

NEW YORK CITY, NY  --  DreamWorks' blockbuster animation hit Shrek is coming to Broadway this fall. "Shrek the Musical" featuring the jolly green ogre will begin preview performances in November — with casting, theater and opening date still undecided.

The show, which has book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori, will play an out-of-town tryout at Seattle's Fifth Avenue Theatre August 14 through September 21, AP reports.

"It's the plot of the first 'Shrek' movie," said director Jason Moore.

"But because we are going deeper into the emotional lives and back stories of the characters, we reveal things about them that none of the movies revealed."

"We are building something from the beginning," the director said. "I like to be part of the development process. To have a wide-open canvas with good raw materials is a rare and luxurious opportunity."

As for casting the lead role of Shrek, Moore said it's difficult because not only do you need a fine singer but someone who can make people laugh and feel for them.

"The character is tricky because he is an outsider and doesn't reveal himself to the world very easily," Moore explained. "He has purposely put himself away. So it requires an actor with a lot of nuance to get those kind of levels across."

Last update: 01-22-2008 23:44