Shrek the Musical to Launch National Tour in 2010

By Andrew Gans
April 23, 2009

Shrek the Musical — which is based on based on the story and characters from William Steig's book and the DreamWorks Animation film of the same name — will launch its national tour in June 2010 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts' Oriental Theatre in Chicago.

Tickets for the launch at the Illnois venue are now available for groups of 20 or more by calling (312) 977-1710 and to subscribers of the 2010 Broadway in Chicago Season Series. Individual tickets will be available to the general public at a later date to be announced.

In a statement Shrek producer Bill Damaschke said, "Chicago is a great theatre town and the perfect city to launch the Shrek the Musical national tour. We feel we are in really good hands with the Broadway In Chicago team who have unmatched experience and success in presenting Broadway musicals. Everyone on the creative team has strong ties to the city of Chicago and is looking forward to getting to work on the touring production."

Shrek features a book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire, music by Olivier Award winner Jeanine Tesori and direction by Tony Award nominee Jason Moore.

Shrek, according to a press statement, "is an entirely new musical based on the story and characters from William Steig's book 'Shrek!,' as well as the DreamWorks Animation film."

No casting for the tour has been announced. Additional venues are expected.