Shrek on Broadway: Show Is Now Closed
Shrek Summary
- Show Status: Closed
- Genre: Musical
- Shrek is 2 hours and 30 minutes long, including an intermission of 15 minutes
- 8 Shows per week
- Previews Began: November 8, 2008
- Show Opened : December 14, 2008
- Show Closed: January 3, 2010
The beloved green ogre comes to life on stage, following his quest to reclaim his swamp from fairy tale creatures. Alongside his wisecracking donkey, Shrek navigates challenges to rescue Princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a fire-breathing dragon, discovering the true meaning of friendship and acceptance.
What's Shrek Like?
Shrek is an ogre who just wants to live peacefully in his swamp but finds his home overrun by fairy tale creatures banished by the villainous Lord Farquaad.
In exchange for his swamp's return, Shrek agrees to rescue Princess Fiona, held captive in a tower guarded by a dragon. Accompanied by his talkative companion Donkey, Shrek embarks on an adventure that challenges his perceptions of beauty and worthiness.
Along the way, they encounter quirky characters, including Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man, and the Three Blind Mice. As Shrek and Fiona grow closer, they discover that true love transcends appearances.
The show blends fairy tale charm with contemporary humor, offering a family-friendly spectacle filled with memorable moments and a message that beauty lies within.
Is Shrek Good for Kids?
Shrek the Musical is generally considered suitable for children, but it's worth noting a few points:
- Humor and Themes: The musical retains much of the humor from the animated film, which includes some jokes and references that may be more geared towards older children and adults. However, there are also plenty of jokes and visual gags that younger children will enjoy.
- Scenes and Characters: The show includes characters like a fire-breathing dragon and some mild comedic peril, which might be intense for very young or sensitive children.
- Positive Messages: The musical promotes themes of acceptance, friendship, and self-discovery, which are positive for children to see.
- Age Recommendation: The show is typically recommended for ages 6 and up, but ultimately, parents know their children best and can decide based on their child's sensitivity and maturity
Shrek on Broadway Background
Shrek the Musical is a theatrical adaptation based on the 2001 DreamWorks animated film "Shrek" and the 1990 children's book by William Steig.
With humor, heart, and catchy musical numbers by Jeanine Tesori and witty lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, Shrek the Musical celebrates self-acceptance, friendship, and the importance of embracing differences.
Mixed Reviews on Broadway
"Shrek the Musical" received mixed reviews from critics but was popular with audiences, particularly for its humor, lively musical numbers, and faithful adaptation of the beloved characters from the animated film.
The musical closed on Broadway on January 3, 2010, after a run of 441 performances. Since then, it has been performed in numerous regional and international productions, continuing to entertain audiences with its comedic charm and heartwarming message of acceptance.
Theatre Information
Broadway Theatre
New York, NY 10019
Cast Members
- Shrek
- Brian d'Arcy James
- Princess Fiona
- Sutton Foster
- Donkey
- Daniel Breaker
- Lord Farquaad
- Christopher Sieber
Producers
DreamWorks Theatricals
Neal Street Productions
Bill Damaschke
David Geffen
Production Credits
- Director
- Jason Moore
Creative Team
- Playwright
- David Lindsay-Abaire
- Original Book
- William Steig