Sapp will play a limited engagement as Pinocchio while the role's creator, John Tartaglia, takes a leave of absence. Tartaglia will return to the production at the Broadway Theatre Dec. 15.
It was also recently announced that Ben Crawford, who is currently the standby for the role of Shrek, will take over the title role permanently this fall. On Nov. 10 Crawford will succeed Brian d'Arcy James, who created the titular green ogre to Tony-nominated effect. James departs Nov. 8 to star in Manhattan Theatre Club's production of Time Stands Still.
Shrek also stars Tony Award winner Sutton Foster as Princess Fiona, Tony Award nominee Christopher Sieber as Lord Farquaad and Tony Award nominee Daniel Breaker as Donkey.
The ensemble comprises Cameron Adams, Tessa Albertson, Rōzi Baker, Haven Burton, Bobby Daye, Ryan Duncan, Sarah Jane Everman, Aymee Garcia, Maya Goldman, Justin Greer, Colleen Hawks, Lisa Ho, Chris Hoch, Marty Lawson, Carolyn Ockert-Haythe, Frankie Paparone, Denny Paschall, Eric Petersen, Keven Quillon, Heather Jane Rolff, Jennifer Simard, Rachel Stern, Dennis Stowe, David F.M. Vaughn, Ryan Worsing and Kirsten Wyatt.
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."
For more information visit www.shrekthemusical.com.
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In September Shrek will offer a special "SHREKtember" savings on tickets. Valid for evening performances Sept. 1-Oct. 4, anyone can buy one full-price ticket and get a second ticket for free. For more information visit www.SHREKtember.com.
