The beloved fairy tale adventure “Shrek The Musical” is set to enchant audiences once more with its all-new production, embarking on a cross-country tour in February 2024. This refreshed and reimagined version of the musical, which first wowed audiences on Broadway, promises to bring a more intimate and engaging experience to theatres across North America.
The new production of “Shrek The Musical” marks a collaborative effort by the Tony Award-winning duo Jeanine Tesori, who handles the music, and David Lindsay-Abaire, who is responsible for the book. Their revisitation of this first collaboration breathes new life into the story with original direction and choreography by Danny Mefford. The aim is to take the musical back to its roots, emphasizing self-love and the importance of loving others.
David Lindsay-Abaire shared his excitement, saying, “It’s been such a gift to revisit the show after all these years, rethink some of the choices, and reimagine the piece as a whole. This all-new production is leaner and more focused. It’s joyful and funny and feels beautifully hand-crafted in a way that brings out the things we first fell in love with – the heart, wonder, and humour of the story.”
Jeanine Tesori also expressed her vision for the musical: “We wanted to make a show that families could come to, to laugh and be moved. Something that would create a memory because everybody has felt like an ogre now and then.”
Based on the hit DreamWorks animated film, the musical features a vibrant cast of characters, led by Nicholas Hambruch as Shrek and Cecily Dionne Davis as Fiona, embarking on a hilarious and heartfelt journey. The musical’s essence is captured in its ‘shrek-tacular’ score and the message that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder – or, in this case, the ogre.
The tour, featuring an impressive ensemble cast, will commence in Utica, NY, at the Stanley Theatre and cover various cities, concluding in Toronto, ON, at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The show’s creative team includes experts in scenic design, costume, lighting, and sound, ensuring a magical experience for the audience.
As “Shrek The Musical” prepares to hit the road in 2024, it brings nostalgia and fresh excitement. This all-new production promises a rehash of a familiar story and an opportunity for a new generation to experience the magic of Shrek’s world. It’s a chance for families to come together, laugh, and be reminded of the timeless message that what makes us different makes us unique.
