Eric Petersen stars as Shrek the ogre with the ensemble. “Shrek: The Musical,” based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film from 2001, opened at the Pantages Theatre on Tuesday. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Dragon and Donkey (Alan Mingo Jr.) in “Shrek: The Musical.” (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Haven Burton plays strong-willed Princess Fiona. Fiona was voiced by Cameron Diaz in the animated film. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Eric Petersen plays Shrek, a character created in William Steig’s children’s book and voiced by Mike Meyers in the film. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
David F.M. Vaughn as Lord Farquaad. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Members of the ensemble cast in “Shrek: The Musical” play tongue-in-cheek fairytale characters. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
“Shrek” was DreamWorks Animation’s first Broadway foray, featuring lyrics and book by Pulitzer-winner David Lindsay-Abaire (“Rabbit Hole”) and music by Jeanine Tesori. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
David F.M. Vaughn as Lord Farquaad with the ensemble. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Eric Petersen as Shrek with his eager-to-please best friend Donkey, played by Alan Mingo Jr. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Shrek is a misanthropic ogre whose swamp has been invaded by fairy tale characters, exiled by decree of despotic, diminutive Lord Farquaad. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Shrek agrees to rescue Farquaad’s intended bride, Princess Fiona, from a castle surrounded by lava and guarded by a lovelorn lady dragon (voiced by Carrie Compere). (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Fiona and Shrek’s true love is hampered by misunderstandings, not to mention Fiona’s startling secret. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
The show is filled with laughs and numerous sight gags. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Fiona has a secret that she’s afraid to share with her family and kingdom, but she finds solace with Shrek. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
David F.M. Vaughn walks on his knees. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
