Acclaimed stage and screen director, Sam Mendes, made a recommendation to DreamWorks Exec, Jeffrey Katzenberg, several years ago—Turn their multi-million dollar “Shrek” film franchise into a Broadway play. DreamWorks is following the advice and the example of rival production company Disney, turning an animated film into a musical on the big New York stage.

Tickets for Pre-Broadway engagement of “Shrek the Musical” will go on sale this Friday, June 13, at 9:30 a.m. The production will appear at The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Washington. The Northwest production will go from August 14-September 21 before heading to its Broadway debut in December

The first 100 people in line will receive their very own Shrek ears. They will also be served green tea and green Top Pot Doughnuts. It’s sure to be a fun outing for you and the kids, both getting the tickets, and going to show.

The show will star 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, and Chester Gregory II as Donkey.

The new musical is a reinvention of the story created by William Steig’s book, “Shrek” and the DreamWorks Animation film, “Shrek” which became one of the most successful animated film franchises in history. Be watching online for Broadway tickets in New York.

Shrek sings! He never really seemed like the singing type. I always imagined him as the kind of guy that watched football on the weekends and shunned the limelight. But the light will be shining on the big green ogre on December 14th when he debuts on Broadway. And he’ll have to kick up his heals, drink some lemon-juice, and hope he comes out in tune.

Needless to say, singing green men all over America are likely to be traveling to the Big Apple this summer for tryouts. And if getting to New York is too much of a challenge, they can also catch an out-of-town tryout in Seattle in August and September.

Although the parts for Shrek and the talking (now singing) Donkey are up for grabs, the part of Fiona has been cast. She will be played by the talented Sutton Foster, to be seen currently playing Inga in “Young Frankenstein.” She’s also starred in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Little Women” and “The Drowsy Chaperone.”

“Shrek” will be directed by Jason Moore. Book and Lyrics are by David Lindsay-Abaire, and music will be Jeanine Tesori. The movie and now play are based on the children’s book by William Steig.

To see other plays based on children’s books or movies, look for Broadway tickets online.