Who played Shrek in the original Broadway cast of the musical Shrek the Musical?

Brian d'Arcy James played Shrek in the original Broadway cast of Shrek the Musical.

The stage musical, based on the DreamWorks film, began Broadway previews in November 2008 and officially opened at the Broadway Theatre in December 2008. James originated the title role opposite Sutton Foster as Princess Fiona, Daniel Breaker as Donkey, and Christopher Sieber as Lord Farquaad.

James’s portrayal required more than a voice performance: the actor had to carry the character through live singing, dialogue, movement, and extensive prosthetic makeup. The Broadway production used a large ensemble to expand the film’s fairy-tale world for the stage.

The original cast is sometimes confused with the later touring or London performers. Mike Myers voiced Shrek in the films, but he was not the original Broadway Shrek. The musical also received multiple Tony Award nominations, including recognition for James’s performance.