Shrek The Musical

Shrek
The Musical
Broadway Playbill cover
Music Jeanine Tesori
Lyrics David Lindsay-Abaire
Book David Lindsay-Abaire
Basis Shrek
by DreamWorks Animation
and Shrek!
by William Steig
Productions 2008 Seattle
2008 Broadway
2010 US Tour
2011 West End
2011 Madrid
2014 First UK Tour
2014 German Tour
2015 Buenos Aires
2016 Budapest
2016 Halifax, Nova Scotia
2018 Second UK Tour

Shrek The Musical is a musical with music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. It is based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation's film Shrek and William Steig's 1990 book Shrek!. After a trial run in Seattle, the original Broadway production opened in December 2008 and closed after a run of over 12 months in January 2010. It was followed by a tour of the United States which opened in 2010, and a re-vamped West End production from June 2011 to February 2013. Since its debut, the musical's rights have been available for independent theaters overseas, who have chosen to stage their own versions of the show.

A high definition filming of the Broadway production was released on DVD, Blu-ray and digital download on October 15, 2013 in North America and December 2 in the United Kingdom.[1][2][3]

History

Development

Lindsay-Abaire and Jason Moore (director) began working on the show in 2002, with Tesori joining the team from 2004.[4] A reading took place on August 10, 2007, with Stephen Kramer Glickman in the role of Shrek, Celia Keenan-Bolger as Princess Fiona, Robert L. Daye, Jr. as Donkey and Christopher Sieber as Lord Farquaad.[5]

Seattle premiere (2008)

The musical premiered in an out-of-town tryout at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle. Previews began August 14, 2008, with an opening night of September 10. The tryout ran through September 21, and played to generally favorable reviews, being cited as one of the few movie-to-stage adaptations "with heart".[6] The principal cast included Brian d'Arcy James as Shrek, Sutton Foster as Princess Fiona, Christopher Sieber as Lord Farquaad, Chester Gregory II as Donkey,[7] John Tartaglia as Pinocchio and Kecia Lewis-Evans as the Dragon.

During previews, "I Could Get Used to This" was replaced by "Don't Let Me Go," and "Let Her In" became "Make a Move". Also during previews, a brief reprise of "Who I'd Be" was sung after Shrek overhears Fiona's misleading comment about being with a hideous beast, which led into "Build a Wall". This was cut and "Build a Wall" was placed after "Morning Person (Reprise)". "Build a Wall" was later cut during previews, but re-instated towards the end of the run.

Broadway production (2008–10)

After extensive changes were made, the show began previews on Broadway at the Broadway Theatre on November 8, 2008, with the official opening on December 14. The cast included Brian d'Arcy James as Shrek, Sutton Foster as Fiona, Christopher Sieber as Farquaad and Tartaglia as Pinocchio. Daniel Breaker took over the role of Donkey, as the creative team thought Chester Gregory II did not fit the part.[8] The Dragon was voiced by company members Haven Burton, Aymee Garcia and Rachel Stern, instead of a soloist. Kecia Lewis-Evans, who played Dragon in Seattle, was offered a part in the show's ensemble but declined.[6] Ben Crawford was the standby for Shrek, until he replaced d'Arcy James for the final months of performances.

The song "I'm a Believer", which was originally played as the audience left the theatre, was added to the score on October 2, 2009, and sung by the entire company at the end of the performance.[9]

The Broadway production of the show received a total of twelve Drama Desk Award and eight Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical and acting awards for d'Arcy James, Foster and Sieber. At the Tony Awards, the entire cast performed a section of "Freak Flag" for the opening number medley; later on, d'Arcy James, Foster and Breaker introduced Sieber and company, who performed "What's Up Duloc?".

The Broadway production closed on January 3, 2010, after 441 performances and 37 previews. At the time, it was one of the most expensive musicals to open on Broadway, at an estimated $25 million, and despite generally good reviews, it failed to recoup its initial investment.[10] The show was then extremely modified for the national tour.

US national tours

A national tour of North America began previews at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago, on July 13, 2010, with opening night on July 25.[11][12] Rob Ashford is the co-director, as the Broadway creative team revised changes. The production marked the debut of an all-new Dragon, voiced off-stage by a single vocalist, with four puppeteers controlling the movements of the new 25-foot puppet.. On the subject, set designer Tim Hatley stated "The biggest change [will be] the dragon. It will be a different creature from the puppet/soul trio on Broadway [but] I think we've finally gotten it right".[13] The tour also features a new opening, new songs and improved illusions, from those on Broadway.[14]

Many changes made for the tour include a new song sung by the dragon entitled "Forever", replacing "Donkey Pot Pie".

The original touring cast featured Eric Petersen as Shrek, Haven Burton as Princess Fiona, Alan Mingo, Jr. as Donkey, and David F.M. Vaughn as Lord Farquaad. Carrie Compere played the Dragon, with Blakely Slaybaugh as Pinocchio. Todd Buonopane was originally cast in the role of Lord Farquaad, but was replaced by Vaughn before opening. [15] The tour played its final performance at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles on July 31, 2011, ahead of a non-equity tour in September.[16]

A second tour of North America, featuring a Non-Equity cast, launched September 9, 2011, at the Capitol Theatre in Yakima, Washington.[17] Merritt David Janes appeared as Lord Farquaad.[18] The tour officially opened in Portland, Oregon on September 13, 2011. The tour ran in the U.S. through April 29, 2012, with the final show in Springfield, Missouri,[17] before playing Asia.

The second non-equity tour began October 5, 2012, in Anchorage, Alaska, ending on April 7, 2013, in Reno, Nevada.[19]

West End production (2011–13)

A newly revised scaled down version, began performances in the West End at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, on May 6, 2011.[20] Nigel Lindsay headlined as Shrek, Richard Blackwood as Donkey, Nigel Harman as Lord Farquaad and Amanda Holden as Princess Fiona. Landi Oshinowo plays the Dragon, with Jonathan Stewart as Pinocchio.[21][22][23][24] The official opening night took place on June 14, 2011. Most critics were positive about the production, and in particular praised Harman's performance, branding him "hysterically funny".[25]

The show was nominated for a total of four awards at the 2012 Laurence Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, Best Actor for Lindsay and Supporting Actor for Harman, as well as Best Costume Design for Tim Hatley. Harman won the award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical for his performance as Lord Farquaad. The ensemble cast performed "Freak Flag" at the awards.

Kimberley Walsh, of UK pop group Girls Aloud, took over the role of Princess Fiona from October 5, 2011, after Holden announced her pregnancy. Dean Chisnall and Neil McDermott took over from Lindsay and Harman as Shrek and Lord Farquaad respectively on February 29, 2012.[26] Carley Stenson later took over as Princess Fiona from May 23, 2012.[27]

The London production of the show came to an end after 715 performances, on February 24, 2013. Producers announced their plans to tour Shrek across the UK in 2014.[28]

UK and Ireland tours

The first UK and Ireland tour began at the Grand Theatre in Leeds, England on July 23, 2014, before touring across the UK and Ireland. Dean Chisnall repeats his West End performance as Shrek, under the direction of Nigel Harman, who originated the role of Lord Farquaad in the West End.[29] A full company announcement was made in February 2014, with Chisnall to be joined by Legally Blonde star Faye Brookes as Princess Fiona, Gerard Carey as Lord Farquaad, Idriss Kargbo as Donkey, Candace Furbert as Dragon and Will Haswell as Pinocchio.[30] A cast change for the tour took place July 8, 2015, with ensemble member Bronté Barbé taking over the role of Princess Fiona from Brookes. The tour concluded at The Lowry, Salford on February 20, 2016.

A second UK and Ireland tour commenced at the Edinburgh Playhouse from 12 December 2017. Nigel Harman once again directs the tour. The tour is currently scheduled to run until at least January 2019. The full cast was announced in November 2017 [31] The X Factor star Amelia Lily and Call the Midwife actress Laura Main will share the role of Princess Fiona, alongside Samuel Holmes as Lord Farquaad, Stefan Harri as Shrek and Marcus Ayton as Donkey

International productions

Shrek was made available for independent US and overseas theatres. They have chosen to stage their own versions of the show with the same music, book and lyrics intact and their own designs for sets, costuming and other creative elements. Productions have been staged in Asia, Poland, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Mexico, Brazil, the Philippines, Estonia, Finland, Israel, Sweden, Panama, Denmark, Canada, Puerto Rico, Argentina and Norway.

Synopsis of the Broadway production

Act I

On his seventh birthday, two ogre parents send their son Shrek out of their house and into the world to make his living. They warn him that because of his looks, humans will hate him, and the last thing he will see is an angry mob before he dies ("Big Bright Beautiful World"). Some years later, an embittered, grown up Shrek is living contentedly alone in a swamp. However, his solitude is disrupted when a band of fairytale creatures show up on his property, including:

They explain of their banishment from the Kingdom of Duloc, by order of the evil Lord Farquaad, who exiled them for being freaks, under penalty of death if they ever return ("Story of My Life"). Even so, Shrek decides to travel to see Farquaad and try to regain his swamp, along with getting the Fairytale Creatures their homes back (but mostly to get his swamp back), with much encouragement from Pinocchio and the gang ("The Goodbye Song").

Along the way, Shrek rescues a talkative donkey from some of Farquaad's guards. In return for rescuing him, and offering his friendship, Donkey insists on tagging along to show him the way to Duloc ("Don't Let Me Go"), which Shrek reluctantly agrees to, due to him being lost.

Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Duloc, Farquaad is torturing Gingy the Gingerbread Man into revealing the whereabouts of other Fairytale Creatures that are still hiding in the Kingdom so he can have them arrested as well. They are interrupted by one of his henchmen, Thelonious, who reveals that Farquaad's guards have acquired the Magic Mirror. Farquaad then sends Gingy to the swamp with all the other Fairytale Creatures. The Mirror reveals that Princess Fiona is currently trapped in a castle surrounded by hot boiling lava and guarded by a terrible fire-breathing dragon. Accepting this task, Farquaad decides to marry her to become king, and rushes out to prepare for the wedding before the Mirror can tell him what happens to Fiona at night. The Mirror then shows the audience the story of Fiona's childhood.

A seven-year-old Fiona dreams of the brave knight who, as her storybooks tell her, will one day rescue her from her tower and end her mysterious curse with "True Love's First Kiss". As she grows into a teenager, and then a headstrong woman, she becomes a little bit stir-crazy, but she never loses her faith in her fairytales ("I Know It's Today").

Shrek and Donkey arrive in Duloc where Farquaad expresses his love for his kingdom, accompanied by his cheerful cookie-cut army of Duloc Dancers ("Welcome to Duloc" / "What's Up, Duloc?"). They approach Farquaad, with him being impressed by Shrek's size and appearance. Farquaad demands that Shrek must rescue Fiona, and in return, he will give Shrek the deed to his swamp ("What's Up, Duloc? (Reprise)").

The two unlikely friends set off to find Fiona, with Shrek becoming increasingly annoyed with Donkey as time progresses ("Travel Song"). After crossing the rickety old bridge and arriving at the castle, Shrek sets off alone to rescue Fiona while Donkey encounters a ferocious female dragon who initially wants to eat him, but then wants to keep him for her own after Donkey manages to charm her ("Donkey Pot Pie")/("Forever"). When Shrek finds Fiona, his lack of interest in playing out her desired, romantic rescue scene annoys her, and he drags her off by force. The two of them reunite with Donkey, and all three attempt to escape while being chased by the angry Dragon. Shrek traps Dragon and they get to a safe point ("This Is How A Dream Comes True").

Fiona then insists that Shrek reveal his identity and is shocked that her rescuer is an ogre and not the Prince Charming her stories indicated. Shrek explains that he is merely her champion; instead, she is to marry Farquaad. The trio begin their journey back to Duloc, but Fiona becomes apprehensive as the sun begins to set. She insists that they rest for the night and that she spend the night alone in a nearby cave. Donkey and Shrek remain awake, with Donkey asking Shrek who he would be, if he did not have to be an ogre anymore. As Shrek opens up to Donkey on who he would wish to be, Fiona transforms into an ogress as part of her curse that happens during sunset, stands apart, alone, and listens ("Who I'd Be").

Act II

The next day, Princess Fiona rises early and sings with a bluebird and dances with a deer (before making the bird explode and throwing the deer off a cliff). She assists the Pied Piper in his rat-charming duties ("Morning Person"). Shrek brings down her mood by attempting to give subtle hints about her groom-to-be ("Men of Farquaad's stature are in short supply", "He's very good at small talk", etc.) and mocking her tragic childhood circumstances. The two begin a contest of trying to one-up each other to outdo the others' backstory, but end up revealing their respective pasts ("I Think I Got You Beat"). Both admit to being thrown out by their parents; this connection, as well as bonding over a love of disgusting bodily noises, kindles friendship.

Back in Duloc, Lord Farquaad plans his wedding, and he reveals his own sordid heritage after The Magic Mirror insists that Farquaad should invite his father, but Farquaad refuses, explaining how he abandoned him in the woods as a child ("The Ballad of Farquaad").

As Shrek and Fiona's newfound camaraderie grows into love, Donkey insists, with the help of the Three Blind Mice from his imagination, that Shrek should gather his courage and romantically engage Fiona ("Make a Move"). Shrek, finally beginning to come out of his caustic, protective shell, tries to find the words to explain his feelings to Fiona ("When Words Fail").

While Shrek is out finding a flower for Fiona, Donkey discovers that Fiona turns into an ogress at night, and she confesses that she was cursed as a child, which is why she was locked away in the tower. Only a kiss from her true love will return her to her proper form, and she asks Donkey to promise never to tell. Shrek arrives near the end of the conversation and misunderstands Fiona's description of herself as an ugly beast, and thinks she is talking about him. Hurt by her presumed opinion, Shrek storms off.

The next day, transformed back to her human form, Fiona decides to tell Shrek about her curse ("Morning Person (Reprise)"). When she tries to explain, Shrek rebuffs her with his "ugly beast" overhearing, causing Fiona in turn to misunderstand. Then Farquaad arrives to claim Fiona and tells Shrek he has cleared the swamp of the Fairytale Creatures, and now belongs to Shrek again. While not very impressed with Farquaad, Fiona agrees to marry him and insists that they have the wedding before sunset. As Farquaad and Fiona ride back to Duloc, Donkey tries to explain the misunderstanding to Shrek (who is too angry and upset to listen), and Shrek rejects him as well, declaring that he will return to his swamp alone and build a wall to shield himself from the world ("Build a Wall").

Meanwhile, the Fairytale Creatures are on their way to a landfill which is to be their new home, since they have been evicted from the swamp. After dealing with the fact that Shrek broke his promise to them, they start agreeing that Farquaad's treatment of them is intolerable; just because they are freaks does not mean they deserve to be hated, and start deciding on doing something about it. But a bitter Pinocchio (remembering they are not allowed back in the Kingdom, or they will be executed), not wanting his friends to get hurt, suggests they should just keep going, and wait until everything gets better, all the while, wishing to be a real boy. The gang convince Pinocchio that they need to stand up to Farquaad, while also inspiring him to accept who he is, as all of them have accepted who they are. They gather new confidence and strength in themselves, as they declare that they'll raise their "Freak Flag" high against their tormentors ("Freak Flag"). Now realizing that they have become something more than friends, and have become a family, Pinocchio and the gang now set off to Duloc to stand up to Farquaad once and for all.

Shrek has returned to his once again private swamp, but he misses Fiona. Donkey shows up attempting to seal off his half of the swamp with stone boulders, which Shrek rebuffs. In turn, Donkey angrily berates Shrek for his reclusive and stubborn habits, even to the point of driving off Fiona. An angered Shrek reveals he heard her talking about a hideous creature the night before, and Donkey retorts that they were not talking about him, but of "someone else". When a confused Shrek inquires who it was, Donkey, wanting to keep his promise, and still cross with Shrek, refuses to talk. When Shrek apologizes and extends his friendship, Donkey forgives him.

The two then go back to Duloc, where Shrek interrupts the wedding before Farquaad can kiss Fiona, and Fiona convinces him to let Shrek speak with her. Shrek finally finds the words to express his feelings for Fiona, and he declares his love for her ("Big Bright Beautiful World (Reprise)"). However, his declaration of love is mocked by Farquaad. Caught between love and her desire to break the curse, Fiona tries to escape the event. Just then, the Fairytale Creatures storm into the wedding and protest their banishment. They are accompanied by Grumpy, one of the Seven Dwarfs, who reveals that he is Farquaad's father and he kicked Farquaad out at the age of 28 when he wouldn't move out of the basement, revealing Farquaad is a freak as well. During the argument, the sun sets, causing Fiona to turn into an ogress in front of everyone. Farquaad, furious and disgusted over the change, orders for Shrek to be drawn and quartered (along with the Fairytale Creatures) and Fiona banished back to her tower. As Farquaad proclaims himself the new King, Shrek whistles for the Dragon, who has now escaped the castle (and is the reason Shrek and Donkey got to the wedding just in time). Dragon then crashes through the window with Donkey and incinerates Farquaad with her fiery breath.

With Farquaad dead, Shrek and Fiona admit their love for each other and share true love's first kiss. Fiona's curse is broken, and she takes her true form: an ogress. At first, she is ashamed of her looks, but Shrek declares that she is still beautiful. The two ogres begin a new life together (along with Donkey and the Fairytale Creatures), as everyone celebrates what makes them special ("This Is Our Story") and they all live happily ever after ("I'm A Believer").

Musical numbers

Broadway

≠ Not included on the original Broadway cast recording. "I'm a Believer" and "Forever", however, was recorded later and released as a single as it was not in the show when the cast recording was made.

Changes

  • An Overture and Entr'acte were added following the Seattle run, along with the song "Build a Wall" which was originally "More To The Story." This song was cut prior to the West End production opening.
  • "This Is Our Story" or "Finale" replaced "I Smell a Happy Ending" following the Seattle run, whilst "What Happens to Love?" and "More To The Story" were cut.
  • Beginning with the first North American tour, a new song was written for Dragon, "Forever." This was then performed in all subsequent productions, replacing "Donkey Pot Pie."
  • "Don't Let Me Go" was cut from the West End production, although an alternative version reinstated for the UK Tour.

US Tour

≠ Not included on the original Broadway cast recording. "I'm a Believer" and "Forever", however, was recorded later and released as a single as it was not in the show when the cast recording was made.

Casts

The original principal casts of the English-speaking productions.

Characters Seattle Broadway U.S. Tour West End U.K. Tour Budapest Denmark
Shrek Brian d'Arcy James Eric Petersen Nigel Lindsay Dean Chisnall Pál Feke Niels Olsen
Princess Fiona Sutton Foster Haven Burton Amanda Holden Faye Brookes Dóra Szinetár Maria Lucia Heiberg Rosenberg
Donkey Chester Gregory Daniel Breaker Alan Mingo, Jr. Richard Blackwood Idriss Kargbo András Csonka Alexandre Willaume
Lord Farquaad Christopher Sieber David F.M. Vaughn Nigel Harman Gerard Carey Attila Serbán Martin Brygmann
Pinocchio John Tartaglia Blakely Slaybaugh Jonathan Stewart Will Haswell Levente Juhász Silas Holst
Dragon Kecia Lewis-Evans Haven Burton, Aymee Garcia, Rachel Stern Carrie Compere Landi Oshinowo Candace Furbert Gabi Tóth Szhirley
Gingy Haven Burton Aymee Garcia Alice Fearn Nikki Bentley Kristine Yde Eriksen

Instrumentation

The Orchestra includes one bass guitar player, one trumpeter, one trombonist, two guitar players, one drummer, two violinists, two reed players, one horn player, two keyboard players, a cello player, and a percussion player. The guitar players double on ukulele, mandolins, electric guitars, and acoustic guitars. The trumpeter doubles on a flugelhorn and a piccolo trumpet. The trombonist doubles on tenor and bass trombones. The bass player doubles on the upright bass, the electric bass, and the 5-string bass guitar. The first reed doubles on alto sax, clarinet, flute, and piccolo. The second reed doubles on soprano sax, baritone sax, tenor sax, flute, bass clarinet, and clarinet.

The original Broadway orchestration included an additional trumpet, an additional trombone, two more violinists, one more cellist, and two more reed players. In this orchestration, the first reed doubles on piccolo, flute, and recorder. The second reed doubles on oboe, English horn, clarinet, and alto sax. The third reed doubles on flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, soprano sax, and tenor sax. The fourth reed doubles on clarinet, bassoon, and baritone sax.

Production references

  • Puss in Boots makes a silent cameo appearance during the "Travel Song". He tips his hat to Shrek and Donkey and walks away. Later, a bunny screams after Shrek calls him delicious. A cow jumps over the moon, and a dish runs away with a spoon, while being pursued by the police. Shrek and Donkey later see a giraffe and gazelles which look like the gazelle wheel in The Lion King (an excerpt from "Circle of Life" plays during this part of the song).
  • As with the 2001 film, Shrek ends the song "Travel Song" with "That'll do, Donkey, that'll do"; this is a reference to the similar phrase in the film Babe, in which Hoggett reassures "That'll do, Pig. That'll do."
  • King Harold and Queen Lillian originally sang a part during "Big Bright Beautiful World," explaining to Young Fiona that all ogres are monsters unloved by everyone. Now they walk past Young Shrek, taking Young Fiona with them. She waves at Shrek, but they lead her away (the guards preceding them give the impression that they are taking Fiona to her tower). This was later cut out of the Broadway production. A similar part was re-introduced for the national tour and London productions.
  • In "I Know It's Today" and "This is How A Dream Comes True," Fiona sings "Are you there, God, it's me, Fiona?" which is similar to the book entitled "Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret" by Judy Blume.
  • In "Morning Person," much of the part where Fiona dances with the mice is reminiscent of the nightclub scene in Bob Fosse's "Sweet Charity."
  • Most of the spoken lines are taken from the first film, including the Muffin Man scene between Farquaad and Gingy, and Fiona explaining the curse to Donkey.
  • "Welcome to Duloc" is the only original song from the film sung in the musical. It is now "What’s Up, Duloc" and is sung by the Duloc Dancers, who resemble the puppets that sing it in the film.
  • Originally the orchestra played "I'm a Believer" after the curtain call, but as of October 2, 2009, it is sung by the entire company at the end of the performance.
  • At the end of "What's up, Duloc?" (Reprise), Lord Farquaad references Defying Gravity from the Broadway musical Wicked, when he sings "...and no ones gonna bring me down!" followed by the famous ending note. Also, the oft-repeated line 'Hey-nonny-nonny-nonny-no' is taken from the song "Shy" from Once Upon a Mattress.
  • At the end of "Forever", the Dragon's final line is a reference to the Dreamgirls song "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going". In some adaptations of this song in later productions, the Dragon performer appears alongside the puppet (in previous performances, the performer sang off-stage.)
  • Julie Andrews, who played Queen Lillian in Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, and Shrek Forever After, provides the voice for the audio instructions before each performance that reminds the audience to turn off their cell phones, the use of recording devices is forbidden, etc. and "if you refuse, a terrifying ogre will leap from the stage, lift you from your seat, and drag you far, far away."
  • During "Story of My Life", one of the show's musical numbers, Mama Bear sings "Mama's in the mud, Mama's in distress," which is a nod to the song "Rose's Turn" from the musical Gypsy.
  • During "Freak Flag" a flag is waved around with a face on it, which resembles the famous logo of young Cosette from Les Misérables.
  • During a part of "Don't Let Me Go" on the national tour, Donkey sings to the music of "Take Me or Leave Me" and "I'll Cover You" from Rent. He also makes a reference to "La Vie Boheme" from the same musical while chanting things and marching across the stage in the bridge of the song.
  • During "What's Up, Duloc?," the ensemble reference the musical Chicago.
  • During a part of "Don't Let Me Go" original Broadway recording, Donkey makes reference to "Part Of Your World" from Little Mermaid.
  • Donkey sings to Shrek "Don't speak, don't speak, don't speak," referencing Dianne Wiest and John Cusack in "Bullets Over Broadway."
  • The opening of "Who I'd Be" is reminiscent of "Bring Him Home" from 'Les Misérables.

Recordings

The original Broadway cast recording was recorded on January 12, 2009, and was released on March 24, 2009, by Decca Broadway Records.[32] The album debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Cast Albums chart and #88 on the Billboard 200.[33][34] "I'm a Believer" was not featured on the initial recording as it was only added to the show on October 2, 2009. It was later included as part of a Highlighted Cast Recording, released on November 17, 2009. On December 4, 2009, when the Grammy Award nominees were announced, the cast recording was nominated for Best Musical Show Album.[35]

"Donkey Pot Pie" (which is included on the original Broadway cast recording) was cut from future productions, replaced by "Forever." The song became available on iTunes in 2011. It was recorded during a live performance of the national tour in Chicago, and features Carrie Compere (Dragon) and Alan Mingo, Jr. (Donkey).

The original London cast recorded a single of "I'm a Believer" for promotional purposes.

An original Spanish-language cast recording featuring the Madrid cast was recorded between August and September 2011, and released in September. The Spanish album includes later added songs "Forever" and "I'm a Believer", as well as different orchestrations to the Broadway recording and the arrangements made for the national tour.

Reception

The musical has received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Ben Brantley wrote in The New York Times: "'Shrek,' for the record, is not bad.... As the title character, a misanthropic green ogre who learns to love, the talented Mr. James is... encumbered with padding and prosthetics.... As the evil, psychologically maimed Lord Farquaad, the very droll Christopher Sieber is required to walk on his knees, with tiny fake legs dangling before him — an initially funny sight gag that soon drags". He praises Sutton Foster as "an inspired, take-charge musical comedian.... Ms. Foster manages both to make fun of and exult in classical musical-comedy moves while creating a real, full character at the same time."[36]

Variety noted that the production had a reported budget of $24 million. Any "theme-park cutesiness is offset by the mischievous humor in David Lindsay-Abaire's book and lyrics. The production's real achievement, however, is that the busy visuals and gargantuan set-pieces never overwhelm the personalities of the actors or their characters. The ensemble is talented and the four leads, in particular, couldn't be better."[37]

The Associated Press said that "the folks at DreamWorks have done their darndest to make sure we are entertained at Shrek the Musical, the company's lavish stage adaptation of its hit animated movie. For much of the time, they succeed, thanks to the talent and ingratiating appeal of the show's four principal performers. The show's massive sets and colorful costumes (both courtesy of Tim Hatley) are so visually eye-catching that they often distract from what's going on with the story and score. Composer Jeanine Tesori has written attractive, eclectic, pop-flavored melodies that range from a jaunty 'Travel Song' to a gutsy duet called 'I Got You Beat' for Shrek and Fiona that revels in rude noises." The review also noted that Lindsay-Abaire's lyrics are often fun and quite witty.[38]

USA Today gave the show three and ½ out of four stars, writing: "Shrek, which draws from William Steig's book about a lovable ogre and the DreamWorks animated movie that it inspired, is nonetheless a triumph of comic imagination with a heart as big and warm as Santa's. It is the most ingeniously wacky, transcendently tasteless Broadway musical since The Producers, and more family-friendly than that gag-fest." The review also noted, however, that "Like other musical adaptations of hit films, Shrek... leans heavily on winking satire. There are the usual nods to more fully realized shows, from Gypsy to A Chorus Line, and Jeanine Tesori's blandly ingratiating score doesn't feature any songs you're likely to be humming 20 years from now."[39]

Awards and nominations

Original Broadway production

Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Result Ref
2009 Tony Award Best Musical Nominated [40]
Best Book of a Musical David Lindsay-Abaire Nominated
Best Original Score Jeanine Tesori (music) and David Lindsay-Abaire (lyrics) Nominated
Best Actor in a Musical Brian d'Arcy James Nominated
Best Actress in a Musical Sutton Foster Nominated
Best Featured Actor in a Musical Christopher Sieber Nominated
Best Orchestrations Danny Troob and John Clancy Nominated
Best Costume Design Tim Hatley Won
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Musical Nominated [41]
Outstanding Book of a Musical David Lindsay-Abaire Nominated
Outstanding Actor in a Musical Brian d'Arcy James Won
Daniel Breaker Nominated
Outstanding Actress in a Musical Sutton Foster Nominated
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Christopher Sieber Nominated
Outstanding Director of a Musical Jason Moore Nominated
Outstanding Music Jeanine Tesori Nominated
Outstanding Lyrics David Lindsay-Abaire Nominated
Outstanding Orchestrations Danny Troob Nominated
Outstanding Set Design Tim Hatley Won
Outstanding Costume Design Won
Grammy Award Best Musical Show Album Nominated [42]

Original London production

Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Result Ref
2012 Laurence Olivier Award Best New Musical Nominated [43]
Best Actor in a Musical Nigel Lindsay Nominated
Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical Nigel Harman Won
Best Costume Design Tim Hatley Nominated

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In October 2009, Jeffrey Katzenberg said that a performance of the Broadway production had been recorded for a potential DVD release. However, due to the national tour and West End productions running considerably longer, the idea was put on-hold.[44] On July 19, 2013, following the closure of the national tour and West End productions, Amazon.com confirmed that the filmed performance would be available for instant viewing on September 17, 2013.[1] It also became available "in HD for playback on Kindle Fire HD, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Roku or other HD compatible devices" beginning October 15, 2013.[2] The home video release is also available on Netflix Streaming as of January, 2014.[45] A DVD, Blu-ray, and digital download was also released on that day.[3] The performance is an edit of several live performances as well as a performance shot without an audience. The original principal cast appear, as well as various alumni across the show's Broadway run. Also, it keeps the song "Donkey Pot Pie" instead of the replacement, "Forever."

References

  1. 1 2 SHREK: THE MUSICAL Now Available For Pre-Order Archived 2013-12-12 at the Wayback Machine., broadwayworld.com. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
  2. 1 2 Filmed Version of Broadway's Shrek Will Be Available in October Archived 2013-12-11 at the Wayback Machine. Playbill.com, Retrieved July 20, 2013
  3. 1 2 SHREK: THE MUSICAL DVD/Blu Now Available For Pre-Order Archived 2013-12-12 at the Wayback Machine., Broadway World, Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  4. ↑ Gurewitsch, Matthew. "Orchestrating an Ogre's Monster Makeover", The New York Times, December 11, 2008.
  5. ↑ Gans, Andrew."Keenan-Bolger and Sieber Are Part of Aug. 10 'Shrek' Reading" Archived 2008-12-06 at the Wayback Machine., Playbill.com, August 10, 2007.
  6. 1 2 Jacobson, Lynn. "Shrek the Musical", Variety, September 11, 2008.
  7. ↑ Gans, Andrew. "Seattle Goes Green: Shrek the Musical Makes World Premiere Aug. 14" Archived 2008-12-12 at the Wayback Machine., playbill.com, August 14, 2008.
  8. ↑ Jones, Kenneth. "Breaker Replaces Gregory and Other Changes Announced for NY Bound Shrek", playbill.com, September 30, 2008.
  9. ↑ Gans, Andrew."'Shrek the Musical' Adds "November Rain" to Broadway Score", playbill.com, September 30, 2009.
  10. ↑ Healy, Patrick. ‘" 'Shrek' to End Broadway Run on Jan. 3", New York Times, October 21, 2009.
  11. ↑ Gans, Andrew."Shrek Tour Will Launch in July 2010 in Chicago" Archived 2009-09-08 at the Wayback Machine., playbill.com, September 4, 2009.
  12. ↑ Gans, Andrew."Ogre There! National Tour of Shrek the Musical Kicks Off July 13 in Chicago" Archived 2010-07-16 at the Wayback Machine., playbill.com, July 13, 2010.
  13. ↑ "'Shrek the Musical' National tour Will Debut An All New Dragon", broadwayworld.com, September 12, 2009.
  14. ↑ "Ashford to Co-Direct 'Shrek' Tour; Cast Announced", broadwayworld.com, May 11, 2010.
  15. ↑
  16. ↑ Shrek at the Pantages, broadwayla.org, accessed May 10, 2011.
  17. 1 2 "Tickets and Tour Schedule, NETworks Presentations", shrekthemusicalontour.com, accessed September 8, 2011.
  18. ↑ "Cast", shrekthemusicalontour.com, accessed September 8, 2011.
  19. ↑ National tour cast.
  20. ↑ "'Shrek the Musical' Begins Performances at West End's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane May 6", Playbill, retrieved August 10, 2014.
  21. ↑ Baz Bamigboye, "Ghost hopes to live again with its new musical", Mail Online, April 8, 2011.
  22. ↑ Bosanquet, Theo."Holden & Blackwood Confirmed for London 'Shrek'" Archived 2012-10-18 at the Wayback Machine., whatsonstage.com, July 30, 2010.
  23. ↑ "Nigel Lindsay and Nigel Harman cast in 'Shrek The Musical'", londontheatre.co.uk, 3 September 2010.
  24. ↑ SHREK to Undergo Changes for West End; New Characters & Design, broadwayworld.com.
  25. ↑ "Press reviews: 'Shrek the Musical'", BBC, 15 June 2011.
  26. ↑ News OfficialLondonTheatre.com
  27. ↑ News, whatsonstage.com.
  28. ↑ "Shrek closes on 24 Feb, Charlie moves Chocolate Factory to Drury Lane", whatsonstage.com.
  29. ↑ Shenton, Mark. " 'Shrek the Musical' to Embark on U.K./Ireland National Tour, Directed by Nigel Harman", playbill.com, 27 September 2013.
  30. ↑ Neil Cheesman, "Casting Announced for Shrek The Musical UK and Ireland Tour", londontheatre1.com, 3 February 2014.
  31. ↑ http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/amelia-lily-shrek-musical-cast_45048.html?cid=homepage_news
  32. ↑ Gans, Andrew. "Shrek CD Arrives in Stores March 24" Archived 2009-03-27 at the Wayback Machine., playbill.com, March 24, 2009.
  33. ↑ SHREK THE MUSICAL CD Debuts at #1 on Billboard's 'Top Cast Album' Chart.
  34. ↑ "The Billboard 200 'Shrek: The Musical'", billboard.com.
  35. ↑ BroadwayWorld.com OBCR News, broadwayworld.com June 10, 2009.
  36. ↑ Brantley, Ben. "The Belching Green Ogre Has a Song in His Heart", The New York Times, December 15, 2008.
  37. ↑ Rooney, David. "Shrek the Musical", Variety, December 14, 2008.
  38. ↑ Kuchwara, Michael, "A mean green ogre named Shrek moves to Broadway", Associated Press, December 14, 2008.
  39. ↑ Gardner, Elysa. "On Broadway, 'Shrek the Musical' is a gas, gas, gas", Usatoday.com, December 14, 2008.
  40. ↑ Gans, Andrew and Jones, Kenneth. "Nominations for 2009 Tony Awards Announced; Billy Elliot Earns 15 Nominations" Archived 2009-05-08 at the Wayback Machine., playbill.com, 5 May 2009.
  41. ↑ Gans, Andrew.Ruined and Billy Elliot Win Top Honors at Drama Desk Awards Archived 2009-05-21 at the Wayback Machine. playbill.com, 17 May 2009.
  42. ↑ "Ain't Misbehavin', Hair, 9 to 5, Shrek, West Side Story, Liza Nominated for GRAMMY Awards", broadwayworld.com.
  43. ↑ OLIVIERS 2012: All the Winners! MATILDA, ANNA CHRISTIE, Smith Pick Up Awards!
  44. ↑ "'Shrek the Musical' headed for DVD release", Entertainment Weekly, Retrieved July 19, 2013.
  45. ↑ 'Sutton sparkles in Shrek the Musical on Netflix
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