Shrek was a big hit with students from St Joseph’s Primary School in Wee Waa during a visit to the National Museum of Australia last year. Photo: Supplied.
Prepare to be ogre-joyed with the tale of Shrek and his loyal steed, Donkey, as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from her tower when the Broadway smash-hit Shrek The Musical plays at the Canberra Theatre from 14 February next year.
The musical is based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film Shrek, along with elements of its sequels: Shrek 2, Shrek Forever After and William Steig’s 1990 book Shrek!.
Shrek The Musical marks the first Gordon Frost Organisation production in Canberra since 1991.
Managing director John Frost is Australia’s leading commercial producer of live theatrical entertainment, responsible for blockbusters across Australia including The Book of Mormon, Wicked!, The Sound of Music and more.
Canberra Theatre Centre director Alex Budd said they were delighted to forge this new relationship and bring such an exciting production to Canberra.
Ben Mingay as Shrek and the cast earlier this year. Photo: Brian Geach.
“Canberrans can’t wait for a great night out and we’re delighted that come February, everyone’s favourite ogre will be giving us just that, eight times a week,” Mr Budd said.
The multi-million-dollar production of Shrek The Musical opened on Broadway in 2008. Featuring an award-winning score of 19 songs, big laughs, great dancing and lavish costumes, The New York Times proclaimed the musical “true happiness!”
The show has been lauded by critics and audiences alike, receiving 8 Tony Award nominations, 12 Drama Desk nominations, 10 Outer Critics Circle nominations, 3 Drama League nominations and a Grammy Award nomination for Best Musical Show Album.
Mr Frost said he fell in love with the show after seeing it on Broadway and was bowled over by the way audiences responded.
“It’s a genuine Broadway smash-hit and so funny as well as touching, appealing to everyone from 5 to 105. I’m so pleased that Australia has fallen in love with Shrek The Musical as much as I did.”
The story follows unlikely hero Shrek and Donkey as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from her tower where she is guarded by a fire-breathing love-sick dragon.
Add the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits, and a biscuit with attitude, and you’ve got an irresistible mix of adventure, laughter and romance, guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.
The music is by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire.
Shrek was the first Academy Award winner for the best animated feature, was the highest-grossing animated film and the third highest-grossing film. Today, three of the Shrek films are in the top 20 highest-grossing animated films of all time.
Canberra Theatre Centre said it will operate in accordance with its COVID safety plan.
Shrek The Musical will run at the Canberra Theatre from 14 February 2021. Ticket prices are from $109.90 plus a transaction fee. Bookings the Canberra Theatre Centre or call the box office on 6275 2700. Tickets on sale next week.
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