The curtain opens on a trio of Storytellers sharing the tale of a little ogre named Shrek. Papa and Mama Ogre sit Shrek down and have a coming-of-age talk with their son, telling him that, since he is now seven years old, it is time for him to make his own place in the world, and he must leave home ("Big Bright Beautiful World"). As the years pass, Shrek transforms into an adult and finds contentment living alone in a swamp on the edge of the kingdom of Duloc. Suddenly, the Captain of the Guards appears, leading a large group of Fairy Tale Creatures into the swamp, including Pinocchio, the Big Bad Wolf, the Three Little Pigs, the Wicked Witch, Peter Pan, the Ugly Duckling and the Three Bears. The characters have been exiled from the kingdom of Duloc and banished to live in the swamp ("Story of My Life"). Shrek returns home to find his once private swamp now teeming with the new inhabitants and angrily sets off to confront the leader of Duloc about the injustice.
As Shrek makes his way through a dense forest, he encounters a screaming Donkey under pursuit by more Guards from Duloc. Shrek scares off the guards and, having lost his way (and despite his better judgment), reluctantly agrees to let Donkey be his guide. Meanwhile, in Duloc, the Guards sing of the "gentrification" of the kingdom ("What's Up, Duloc? – Part 1"). Lord Farquadd appears, questioning the captive Gingy as to the whereabouts of an available princess that Farquaad could marry in order to become king and justly gain control of all of Duloc. Threatened with torture, Gingy relinquishes the information — there is a princess in a tower that is guarded by a dragon and surrounded by boiling-hot lava. Just as Farquaad and the residents of Duloc begin to celebrate their future queen ("What's Up, Duloc? – Part 2"), Shrek and Donkey arrive. Shrek demands the swamp be rightfully returned to him and, seizing an opportunity, Farquaad agrees to find a new home for the Fairy Tale Creatures if Shrek retrieves the princess for him.
High in her tower, Young Fiona dreams of being rescued by a handsome prince and living the idyllic fairy tale dream ("I Know It's Today"). The years pass, and Fiona grows more anxious day after day, nervous that the stories she's read have misled her. Despite her frustrations, she remains hopeful.
Meanwhile, Donkey passes time on the long journey by singing ("Travel Song"). Shrek and Donkey arrive at the castle and, donning a knight's helmet that he finds in the castle for protection, Shrek tells Donkey to wait while he rescues the princess. Shrek climbs Fiona's tower while she excitedly prepares for the arrival of her prince. The meeting doesn't go quite as Fiona had planned, and she mistakes Shrek for a brave knight because of his helmet. Shrek doesn't have time to correct this oversight as Donkey is now being pursued by the Dragon. Cornered in the dungeon, four imprisoned Knights warn Donkey that he may wind up like them. The Dragon, frustrated that no one ever pursues her, sings of her loneliness ("Forever"). Falling madly in love with Donkey, the Dragon spares his life, but attacks Shrek when she sees he's freed Fiona. The two battle, and Fiona finally gets her storybook adventure ("This Is How a Dream Comes True").
Having escaped the dragon, the group sets off for Duloc. Shrek reveals to Fiona that he is actually an ogre and has rescued her for Lord Farquaad. As the sun sets, Fiona demands to set up camp and disappears into a cave for the duration of the night. The Storytellers reveal that Fiona has been placed under a curse causing her to live "by day one way, by night another."
The next morning, Fiona is chipper and highly caffeinated ("Morning Person"). She greets the woodland creatures, including the Pied Piper and his disorderly Rats, with cheerful optimism. The group continues their journey, and Shrek and Fiona bond over their horrible lives thus far ("I Think I Got You Beat"). The song ends in a gassy display of bravado, and the two become friends. Donkey is convinced that their relationship is actually a budding romance ("Make a Move").
Having reached Duloc, Fiona postpones meeting Lord Farquaad for one more night and retires to a nearby barn to sleep as the sun sets. That night, Donkey stumbles into the barn and discovers Fiona's secret — she has transformed into an ogress. Fiona explains that she has been cursed to live by day as a human, by night as an ogre, and sees Lord Farquaad as her only chance for happiness because no one could ever love an ugly ogre. Shrek, who has worked up the courage to tell Fiona how he feels about her, overhears only the last part of Fiona's conversation with Donkey from outside the barn, and thinks she is talking about him.
The next morning, Shrek admits to Fiona that he heard everything she said. Fiona now thinks that he knows her secret and is unable to love her because of it. Just then, Lord Farquaad arrives to claim Fiona. He hands over the deed to Shrek's swamp and makes plans to marry Fiona that night. Hurt, Fiona accepts and leaves with him. The Fairy Tale Creatures drudge on, having been evicted from the swamp. Donkey pleads with Shrek to try to win back Fiona, and the Fairy Tale Creatures agree that he must be proud of who he is rather than ashamed by it ("Freak Flag"). With a sense of empowerment and a plan of action, the group decides to return to Duloc.
Just as the Bishop is about to marry Fiona and Lord Farquaad, Shrek and the Fairy Tale Creatures burst in. Shrek professes his love for Fiona ("Big Bright Beautiful World – Reprise"), and the Fairy Tale Creatures reveal that Lord Farquaad's father is a grumpy Dwarf. The discovery that Farquaad is actually a "freak," like the Fairy Tale Creatures he condemned, shocks and surprises everyone. During this, the sun has gone down and Fiona has transformed into an ogress. Disgusted, Lord Farquaad claims that the marriage is binding — he is now king and shall lock Fiona back in the tower forever to rule Duloc himself. Just then, the Dragon crashes through the castle wall and heaves a fiery breath at Farquaad. Afterward, all that's left of him is his scorched crown. Shrek and Fiona finally share "true love's kiss" and, although the spell is broken, Fiona doesn't turn back into a human. Shrek convinces her that she is beautiful just as she is, and everyone celebrates their individuality ("Finale").
Storytellers
Wonderful roles for performers with natural stage presence and big, clear voices. These characters are important for setting up the world and moving the story forward, so cast some bold, energetic young actors.
Gender: any
Shrek
He may be a big, scary, green ogre to the rest of the world, but as the story reveals, he's really just a big fellow with a big heart. It is great if Shrek is a solid singer, but most importantly, snag a young man who is an excellent actor with comedic chops.
Gender: male
Fiona
She may appear to be an ideal princess straight from the fairy tale books, but there is more to her than that stereotypical image. She is an audacious young lady with a wonderful sense of humor and - surprisingly - manners akin to those of a teenage boy. Cast a girl who can do it all: act, sing and dance. This is a premiere role for an experienced performer with a loveable spirit.
Gender: female
Young Fiona
Young Fiona and Teen Fiona are younger versions of Fiona and should have solid singing voices.
Gender: female
Teen Fiona
Young Fiona and Teen Fiona are younger versions of Fiona and should have solid singing voices.
Gender: female
Lord Farquaad
A very short man with gargantuan ambition! He is solely interested in gaining as much power as possible. This is a role for a good singer, but most importantly, your very best comedian who isn't afraid of making bold choices or looking silly.
Gender: male
Donkey
A brash, loud, fast-talking animal with no concept of "quiet time." Cast an experienced performer who can sing well and has a whole lot of presence and character. Be sure to choose a performer who complements Shrek well as his loyal and ever-faithful sidekick.
Gender: male
Dragon
A breakout role for a young girl with a lot of soul and spunk. She is a ferocious fire-breathing dragon but finds a surprising love in Donkey. Cast a performer who has tremendous presence and a good pop singing voice.
Gender: female
Mama Ogre
Good roles for a dynamic duo that can kick off the show with a lot of energy and presence. Make sure to cast good singers.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Papa Ogre
Good roles for a dynamic duo that can kick off the show with a lot of energy and presence. Make sure to cast good singers.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: E4
Vocal range bottom: C3
Little Ogre
A role just right for a smaller, younger performer who is new to the stage. He may not have lines but he is very important to the storytelling.
Gender: any
Pinocchio
The wooden boy who cannot tell a lie without being belied by his growing nose. Pinocchio begins in a sour mood about his second-class status but ends the story as a natural leader among the Fairy Tale Creatures. Cast a young performer with a lot of personality who can sing well.
Gender: male
The Three Little Pigs
Pig 1, Pig 2 And Pig 3. The classic three little pigs with a German twist. It isn't necessary that they look identical; focus on finding a fun and dynamic trio.
Gender: any
Ugly Duckling
He may be bitter about his unfortunate appearance, but he does find camaraderie among his fellow fairy tale outcasts. This is a fun comedic role for a new performer.
Gender: male
The Three Bears
Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and Baby Bear. Great cameo roles for young performers who have little performing experience but make a complementary group.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: C4
Vocal range bottom: D3
Wicked Witch
A great role for a young performer destined to be a character actress. She has a big personality, so find a performer who is up to the task.
Gender: female
Big Bad Wolf
He doesn't need to be a scary, threatening big-bad-wolf type. At this point, he's a pretty tame wolf who is reduced to wearing Little Red Ridinghood's grandmother's dressing gown. This is a fun role for a newcomer to the stage.
Gender: any
Gingy
A great cameo role for a young performer who is as earnest as can be. Gingy is based on the Gingerbread Man who runs away like a fugitive from his baking captors. Find a performer with great energy.
Gender: any
Peter Pan
The boy who never grew up, and he continues to act the part in this story. Cast a boy (or girl, if you want to give a nod to the traditional theater casting) who will have fun physicalizing the character.
Gender: any
Captain Of The Guard
This role is just right for an actor with some inherent strength and authority. He or she doesn't have to have a lot of stage experience; just be sure to cast somebody who has a big, booming voice and who isn't scared to put all the Fairy Tale Creatures in their place.
Gender: any
Knights
The Dragon's background singers who all tried at some point to save Fiona from her tower but were held hostage by the Dragon. Cast young performers who can sing well and have some soul just like the Dragon.
Gender: any
Dwarf
Farquaad's comparably short and grumpy father. This is a perfect cameo role for a young performer.
Gender: male
Ensemble
The Fairy Tale Creatures make up the heart of the show. These characters are taken from the story books but have a bit of a comedic twist. Be sure to cast a diverse group of kids with lots of personality and different strengths. Your performers should be proficient singers but most importantly, great actors. Other standout ensemble roles include : The Guards, Duloc Performers, Puss in Boots, Rooster, Pied Piper, Rats and the Bishop. Ensemble roles like Birds, Trees, Deer, Woodland Creatures and Fairy Tale Creatures help make up the backbone of the musical. Remind your actors that the story demands everyone jump on board as you create the hilarious and lovely world of Shrek The Musical JR.
Gender: any
- Fairy Tales
- Bullying
- Conflict Resolution
- Etiquette
- Responsibility
- Self-respect
- Tolerance
Billing
Requirements
Author Billing – Shrek JR.
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Book and Lyrics by
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Music by
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DAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE
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JEANINE TESORI
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Video Warning
ANY VIDEO RECORDING MADE OF THIS PERFORMANCE IS AUTHORIZED FOR PERSONAL, AT-HOME, NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY. THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH RECORDING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED UNDER FEDERAL COPYRIGHT LAW.Included Materials
| Resource | Quantity |
|---|---|
| ACTOR'S BOOK | 30 |
| DIRECTOR'S GUIDE | 1 |
| DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES AND MEDIA | 1 |
| FAMILY MATTERS | 30 |
| GUIDE VOCAL AND PERF TRACKS DIGITAL | 1 |
| GUIDE VOCAL AND PERF TRACKS DIGITAL | 1 |
| PIANO VOCAL SCORE | 1 |