SHREK the Musical Tour to Visit Bloomington's IU Auditorium Nov. 15-17

Shrek The Musical, a family-friendly musical featuring comedic dialogue and catchy tunes, will perform three shows Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 15-17, at 7:30 p.m. at IU Auditorium.

An entirely new musical that opened on Broadway December 2009, Shrek The Musical is based on the story and characters from William Steig's book Shrek!, as well as the Dreamworks Animation film Shrek, the first chapter of the Shrek movie series.

Shrek The Musical tells the well-known story of the unique hero Shrek, an ogre whose top priority is to maintain isolation in his swamp. After Lord Farquaad banishes fairy tale characters to Shrek's swamp, Shrek must travel great lengths and overcome many obstacles to regain his privacy. The plot takes a twist when he rescues the feisty Princess Fiona, who eventually reveals an astonishing secret that brings the pair closer together.

Shrek The Musical was initiated when Sam Mendes, a big fan of the firstShrek film, suggested the idea of creating a musical to Dreamworks Animation's Jeffrey Katzenberg around the time the second film was in production. Since that time, the musical has been nominated for a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, has performed across the globe, and is currently touring through the United States and London. Shrek The Musicalhas also won a Tony Award for Best Costume Design of a Musical and four Outer Critics Circle Awards.

Shrek The Musical showcases numerous misfit fairy tale characters, including the beloved chatterbox Donkey and the daring gingerbread cookie, Gingy. Children can enjoy the magical Kingdom of Far Far Away while adults can appreciate the irreverent humor of this unique fairy tale.

"Shrek The Musical puts an innovative and fresh new spin on this fantasy fairy tale that has, since the first movie debuted with its ingenious parodies and hilarious caricatures, captured the hearts of young and old alike," IU Auditorium director Doug Booher said. "This theatrical stage version provides audience members of all ages the chance to experience this heartwarming story in ways that no movie can compete with."

For more information on Shrek The Musical and the rest of the 2011-2012 season, visit IUauditorium.com. The website features video clips and a selection of songs from this season's performances, in addition to a direct link to the IU Auditorium Facebook Fan Page and Twitter page, whose members receive exclusive benefits throughout the year.

Shrek The Musical at IU Auditorium is sponsored by IU Credit Union and Southern Indiana Pediatrics. IU Auditorium's 2011-2012 season is presented by Curry Auto Center, B97, The Herald-Times, IU Document Service Center and IU Residential Programs and Services.

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WHAT: Shrek The Musical
WHEN: Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 15-17, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: IU Auditorium
TICKETS: $20-$41 for IU Bloomington students with a valid ID and children and $38-$60 for general public, on sale now. Individual tickets may be purchased online at IUauditorium.com, in person at the IU Auditorium Box Office, as well as through Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. The IU Auditorium Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.