Directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell with music direction by Michael Mahler, the production will run July 13–Sept. 1.

Based on the Academy Award-winning DreamWorks film and the book by William Steig, the musical features music by Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change), with book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole, Wonder of the World, Good People).

The 75-minute production features Michael Aaron Lindner as Shrek, Summer Naomi Smart as Princess Fiona, James Earl Jones II as Donkey and Travis Taylor as Lord Farquaad.

Additional casting includes Cameron Conforti as Young Shrek/Baby Bear, Adam Fane as Pinocchio/Ensemble, Caroline Heffernan as Young Fiona/Ugly Duckling, Emily Leahy as Young Fiona/Ugly Duckling, Sarah Page as Witch/Ensemble, Alexis J. Rogers as Mama Bear/Dragon, Joey Stone as Papa Bear/Papa Ogre, Matthew Uzarraga as Young Shrek/Baby Bear, Norm Boucher as Wolf/Thelonius/Dwarf, Tommy Lucas as Pig/Knight/Ensemble, Rebecca Pink as Gingy/Teen Fiona, Liam Quealy as Pig/Knight/Ensemble and Will Skrip as Pig/Knight/Ensemble.

"Shrek The Musical tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing quest to reclaim his home," press notes state. "Accompanied by a wisecracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon and rescues the cursed Princess Fiona. On this untraditional fairytale journey, Shrek discovers the value of friendship and realizes that true love is more than skin deep." The creative team includes orchestrator Ryan Nelson, scenic designer Scott Davis, lighting designer Jesse Klug, costume designer Theresa Ham, projection designer Mike Tutaj, sound designer Garth Helm, wig and make-up designer Melissa Veal and properties master Chelsea Meyers.

Shrek The Musical will offer activities as part of Mayor Emanuel’s Summer of Learning program, which represents an innovative public-private coordination to incorporate learning into summer youth programming. Shrek The Musical will offer young audience members an opportunity to learn about the art of storytelling in the context of a professional theatrical production, and after seeing the play, students will be prompted to reflect on their experience and respond to their favorite elements of the production through take-home questions and activities printed in the program. Completion of the activities will earn each young person a "Bard Badge."

Tickets and more information about Shrek the Musical can be found by calling (312) 595-5600 or visiting chicagoshakes.com/shrek.