Brian d'Arcy James, recently seen on the New York stage in Next to Normal and The Apple Tree, plays the lovable green ogre in the new musical based on the William Steig book and the DreamWorks Animation film.

DreamWorks Theatricals co-produces with Sam Mendes' Neal Street Productions Ltd. Jason Moore (Avenue Q) directs with choreography by Josh Prince.

Shrek bows at The 5th Avenue Theatre (Aug. 14-Sept. 21) before landing at the Broadway Theatre Nov. 8. David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole) penned the lyrics and libretto; Jeanine Tesori (Caroline, or Change) composed the music.

James is joined in the cast by Chester Gregory II (as Donkey), John Tartaglia (Pinocchio), Sutton Foster (Princess Fiona), Christopher Sieber (Lord Farquaad) and Kecia Lewis-Evans (Dragon).

The costume design is by Tony Award winner Tim Hatley; make-up design is by Naomi Donne; and prosthetic make-up design is by Michael Marino.

Here is a first look at James in full Shrek costume and make-up: