SHREK Goes From 'Swamp to Studio', Cast Records CD 1/12

Shrek The Musical was recently declared a "big fat hit" by USA Today, and "true happiness" by The New York Times. The DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions, Ltd hit show opened at the Broadway Theatre in New York City on December 14, 2008. In March, the highly anticipated Original Cast Recording will be released by Decca Broadway and available everywhere.

On Monday, January 12th, the entire cast of Shrek The Musical will be congregating at Legacy Studios in New York City to record the cast album of the stage production. Shrek The Musical features music written by Olivier Award-winner Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie & Caroline, or Change), a book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole), and the production is directed by Tony nominee Jason Moore (Avenue Q). Jeanine Tesori also will be at the helm of the cast album as producer along with Shrek The Musical's sound designer Peter Hylenski as the album's co-producer.

Highlights of the forthcoming disc include Brian d'Arcy James' rousing "Big, Bright Beautiful World;" "I Know It's Today," showcasing the charismatic Sutton Foster; Christopher Sieber leading the cast in the over-the-top "What's Up, Duloc?;" the hilarious "Don't Let Me Go," sung by Daniel Breaker; and "Freak Flag," featuring John Tartaglia and the entire company.

Shrek The Musical is an entirely new musical 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. The show stars Tony Award nominee Brian d'Arcy James as Shrek, Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster as Princess Fiona, Tony Award nominee Christopher Sieber as Lord Farquaad, Tony Award nominee Daniel Breaker as Donkey and Tony Award nominee John Tartaglia as Pinocchio, among other stellar cast members.

For more information please visit: www.shrekthemusical.com.

Photo by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.