Shrek The Musical

Media Release

Shrek The Musical Photo Credit: Brian Geach

SHREK THE MUSICAL 

The lavish and fun multi-million dollar musical comedy SHREK THE MUSICAL has bewitched Australia. After a popular season at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star, it is now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne until 26 April before moving to the Lyric Theatre, Brisbane from 9 May.

The fairy-tale cast is led by Ben Mingay as Shrek, Lucy Durack as Princess Fiona, Todd McKenney as Lord Farquaad, Nat Jobe as Donkey and Marcia Hines as the Dragon (apart from 16 Feb to 18 March). Taking on a multitude of roles within the fairy-tale realm are Ross Chisari (as Little Pig), Annie Chiswell (Ugly Duckling), Benjamin Colley (Pied Piper), Andy Conaghan (Wolf), Denise Devlin (Mama Bear), Mackenzie Dunn (Swing), Blake Erickson (Papa Bear), Manon Gunderson-Briggs (Gingy), Hollie James (Swing), Rubin Matters (Peter Pan), Sarah Murr (Fairy Godmother), Joshua Robson (Little Pig), Monique Sallé (Red Riding Hood), Tom Sharah (Little Pig), Leigh Sleightholme (Swing), Suzanne Steele (Wicked Witch), Rhys Velasquez (Swing), Caleb Vines (Pinocchio) and Sascha Wykes (Baby Bear).

The role of Young Princess Fiona will be shared in Melbourne by Charlize Costantin (9 years old, from Montmorency), Lilah Crotty (10, Coburg), Isobel Lauber (9, Doreen) and Charlotte Lundy (12, Highton).

“I’m thrilled with the superb cast we have assembled for SHREK THE MUSICAL, led by Ben, Lucy, Todd, Nat and Marcia,” said John Frost. “I fell in love with the show when I saw it on Broadway and was bowled over by the way audiences responded to the social issues it covers, themes like friendship, acceptance, discrimination, inclusiveness and ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. 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 is falling in love with SHREK THE MUSICAL as much as I did.”

With music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, SHREK THE MUSICAL is based on the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks film Shrek and William Steig’s 1990 book Shrek!. When it was launched, the film Shrek was the first Academy Award winner for the Best Animated Feature, was the #1 highest grossing animated film and the #3 highest grossing film. Still today, three of the Shrek films are in the Top 20 Highest Grossing Animated Films of all time.

SHREK THE MUSICAL brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favourite ogre to life on the stage. In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre – not a handsome prince – shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won’t shut up, a bad guy with a SHORT temper, a cookie with attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand … and his name is Shrek.

“★★★★★” – Limelight Magazine

“Fairytale roars to life. A HIT!” – Sydney Morning Herald

“A great show that virtually anyone would enjoy” – Daily Telegraph

“Five-star, glittering and ultra-polished production” – Weekend Notes

“A sure-fire hit which takes one to a world far, far away” – Reviews By Judith

“The sets are stunning, the costumes colourful, the orchestra awesome, and the energy on stage could power Australia for a year” – Sydney Arts Guide

“The ensemble was razor sharp” – Stage Whispers

Featuring a terrific score of 19 songs, big laughs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, the New York Times has proclaimed SHREK THE MUSICAL as “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.

SHREK THE MUSICAL is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone!

ShrekTheMusical.com.au

@ShrekMusicalAU

#ShrekMusicalAU

MELBOURNE SEASON DETAILS

Venue                               Her Majesty’s Theatre

Season                              To 26 April

Performance Times        Wed-Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm and 6pm

Prices:                               From $49.90 (Transaction fees apply)

Bookings:                          ticketek.com.au or 132 849

Groups 12+ call 1300 364 001

BRISBANE SEASON DETAILS

Venue                               Lyric Theatre, QPAC

Season                              From 9 May

Performance Times        Wed-Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm and 6pm

Prices:                               From $49.90 (Transaction fees apply)

Bookings:                          qpac.com.au or phone 136 246

Groups 12+ call (07) 3840 7466

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

MELBOURNE – Kerry O’Brien Publicity at kerry@kob.com.au or 0418 256 503