The national tour of Shrek the Musical, with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori, will play the West Virginia University Creative Arts Center for two nights, Jan. 18 and 19.

An entirely new musical which opened on Broadway December 2009, Shrek the Musical is based on the story and characters from William Steig’s book Shrek!, as well as the DreamWorks Animation film Shrek, the first chapter of the Shrek movie series.

Shrek the Musical tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wise-cracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues a feisty princess and learns that real friendship and true love aren’t only found in fairy tales.

The role of everyone’s favorite swamp-dwelling ogre, Shrek, will be played by Lukas Post. Liz Shivener, from last season’s The Beauty and the Beast, will play the feisty Princess Fiona. Andr� Jordan is Shrek’s lovably annoying best friend Donkey and Merritt David Janes plays the vertically challenged villain Lord Farquaad.

“We are thrilled to send Shrek the Musical to theaters across the country,” said Bill Damaschke, president of DreamWorks Theatricals, “and for American families to experience their favorite ogre and fairy tale creatures live on stage.”

Shrek the Musical features a book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize winner Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole, Good People), music by Olivier Award-winner Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Caroline, Change). This production is directed by Stephen Sposito who recently served as associate director of the current Broadway revival How To Succeed In Business starring Daniel Radcliffe. Sets and costumes are based on the Tony Award winning designs by Tim Hatley (Private Lives, Spamalot) and Chris Bailey will recreate the original choreography by Josh Prince (The Bridge Project, The Jerry Springer Opera).

Shrek the Musical was initiated when Sam Mendes, a big fan of the first Shrek film, suggested the idea of creating a musical to DreamWorks Animation’s Jeffrey Katzenberg around the time the second film was in production. The musical is produced by NETworks Presentations, LLC.

The chart-topping original Broadway cast album for Shrek the Musical is available on Decca Broadway.

Shrek the Musical will entertain for two nights only, Jan. 18 and 19, at the WVU Creative Arts Center. Prices range from $43 to $58, depending on seat location. Discounted rates are available for children 12 and younger and WVU students. Tickets are on sale now and are available at the Mountainlair and CAC box offices, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 304-293-SHOW. Groups of 10 or more should call 304-293-SHOW.

This event is produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment. For additional event information, call 304-293-SHOW. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/wvuevents and follow us on Twitter at @WVUEvents for up-to-date information and show promotion.

-WVU-

dr/12/14/11

CONTACT: David Ryan, WVU Arts & Entertainment
304.293.8222; David.Ryan@mail.wvu.edu