The musical based on the DreamWorks Animation film will open Dec. 14, making family audiences happy for the holidays. The New York life of the show begins after an August tryout in Seattle.

The Color Purple will exit the Broadway Theatre on Feb. 24. The venue is one of the largest houses on Broadway, and coveted by producers of large-scale blockbuster-style shows (think Miss Saigon, a former resident).

As previously reported by Playbill.com, Sutton Foster (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Young Frankenstein) will play princess Fiona, and Christopher Sieber (Monty Python's Spamalot) will be villain Lord Farquaad. Kecia Lewis-Evans (The Drowsy Chaperone) will play the dragon.

Actors taking the title role of the green ogre and his sidekick Donkey have not been named.

Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole) pens the lyrics and libretto (based on the kid-lit character created by William Steig), and Tony Award nominee Jeanine Tesori (Millie, Caroline, or Change) is writing the music.

DreamWorks Theatricals is co-producing with Sam Mendes' Neal Street Productions Ltd. Jason Moore (Avenue Q and the Carnegie Hall Jerry Springer — The Opera) is directing.

Josh Prince will choreograph the production, which will feature musical direction by Tim Weil.

The musical is based on the first film of the popular three-movie series.

Shrek will play an exclusive world premiere engagement at The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle Aug. 14-Sept. 21.

Visit www.shrekthemusical.com.