Shrek the musical retells the popular movie, Shrek. The musical follows main character, Shrek the ogre, as he goes on a journey to get the magical creatures of Duloc, off his swamp. He ends up befriending Donkey, who aids him on his journey to rescue the princess. Shrek then falls in love with the princess
Though the musical is a bit different from the movie, they are pretty similar. I think the musical focuses more on Shrek’s backstory and trauma, while the movie is more about Shrek and Fiona’s romance.
“In a desperate attempt to regain his swamp’s hermetic piece, Shrek enters the world for the first time in his life. He travels to Princess Fiona’s prison, rescues her from a fire-breathing dragon, and then – scariest of all – is forced to get to know the princess as he tries to bring her back to evil Farquaad” – stage agent
Shrek the musical is a stunning performance that includes and has very detailed costumes. Lord Farquad’s actor, Christopher Sieber, did every performance of his on his knees, including an extensive dance number.

In a similar act of high costuming for the show, Shrek’s outfit and make up was particularly challenging. Kathy Hanrahan from Wral News found that there were “19 prosthetic head pieces for Shrek.” This would mean frequent costume changes during the show and performing while wearing a helmet, basically. This was a very dedicated cast.
I think a big difference between the movie and the musical is the musical is more romanticized, the characters are a bit more emotional and dramatized, Donkey especially. This is really shown right from the beginning. Donkey signs a song begging Shrek to let him go with him. In the film this instance is pretty short, Shrek gets lost and Donkey is able to help him find his way to Duloc, the musical makes this moment into a full song.
In the movie and the musical Shrek faces hatred and fear from other creatures due to his appearance. He says he doesn’t care and that this doesn’t affect him but during the song Who I’d Be his true feelings start to shine through. The tone of his voice and the way he sings this is really important too. He sounds sad and resigned, in comparison to the beginning of the musical when he acts like he doesn’t care what people think of him.
“I’d write a verse, recite a joke

with wit and perfect timing
I’d share my heart
…
But we all learn
An ogre always hides
An ogre’s fate is known
An ogre always stays in the dark
And all alone” (Lyrics from Who I’d Be)
This moment is also different to the movie due to the emotional added to the scene, it also spells out Shrek’s insecurities more clearly. He says, “I’d share my heart,” which shows his difficulty with expressing feelings and his wish that he could express emotions without repercussions that he has because he’s an ogre.
Shrek the musical and original movie are both great stories with positive moral lessons. While different and dynamic in their own ways, combined they do an excellent job of telling Shrek’s story.