Photo Flash: First Look at SHREK THE MUSICAL at Atlanta Lyric Theatre

Do you know that old saying, "beauty is in the eye of the ogre." No? Then we suggest a trip to see Atlanta Lyric Theatre's new production of Shrek The Musical which can explain it much better than we can. Shrek The Musical will run through September 4 at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Based on the award-winning Dreamworks Animation film, the musical is hilarious fun for the whole family. Join our unlikely hero and his loyal steed, Donkey, as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona from a fire breathing, love-sick dragon. Featuring all new songs as well as the cult Shrek anthem "I'm a Believer," the show brings all the much-loved characters to life, live on stage, in an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza.

Set in a mythical "once upon a time" sort of land, Shrek The Musical is the story of a hulking green ogre who, after being mocked and feared his entire life, retreats to an unsightly green swamp to exist in happy isolation. Suddenly, a gang of homeless fairy-tale characters (Pinocchio, Cinderella, the Three Pigs, you name it!) raid his sanctuary, saying they've been evicted by the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad. So Shrek strikes a deal: "I'll get your homes back, if you leave me in peace." But when Shrek and Farquaad meet, the Lord strikes a deal of his own: He'll give the fairy-tale characters their homes back, if Shrek rescues Princess Fiona. This is, where they say, the plot thickens. Happily, there's more to this story than meets the ears. Shrek The Musical, with its positive message about acceptance and non-conformity, is this year's must-see show for all the family!

Ryan Everett Wood stars as Shrek, our humble hero. He was the Beast in the 2014-2015 national tour of Beauty and the Beast. He performed the role of Brick Pig and the Shrek alternate in the national and international tour of Shrek The Musical. Other credits include CATS (Gus/Bustopher Jones), Tommy (Hawker), and Toy Story the Musical (Buzz Lightyear).

Randi Garza portrays the feisty Princess Fiona. You might have enjoyed her performances at Theatrical Outfit (The Light in the Piazza), Serenbe Playhouse (Evita, Man of La Mancha), ALLIANCE THEATRE (Bull Durham, A Christmas Carol), Aurora Theatre (Hands on a Hardbody), and Actor's Express (The Rocky Horror Show). She was named Atlanta's Best Actress of 2015-2016 (Critic's Choice) by Creative Loafing.

Quentin Avery Brown is in the role of the effervescent Donkey. You may have seen him as Judah in The Lyric's recent production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other credits include Born For This (ALLIANCE THEATRE), Buddy Holly: The Buddy Holly Story (Legacy Theatre), Dead Man's Party, MixTape and Holiday In The Park (Six Flags Over Georgia), and Camelot in Concert (Aurora Theatre).

Vatican Lokey stars as the diminutive Lord Farquaad. Credits with Atlanta Lyric Theatre include The Producers (Roger DeBris) and Annie (Bert Healy/FDR). New Orleans credits include Grand Hotel (Baron von Gaigern), Falsettos (Whizzer), Drowsy Chaperone (Aldolpho), Grey Gardens (Gould), and Opus (Dorian). Vatican is featured on the Original Cast Recording of Nine Lives: The Musical. TV credits include "Scream Queens" and "American Horror Story: Coven."

The talented cast includes Jordan Balkwill, Kylie Blank, Amanda Bonilla, Jared Brodie, Chase Davidson, Brittany Ellis, Kayce Grogan-Wallace, Bonnie Harris, Joe Harris, AJ Klopach, Nathan Lubeck, Marcie Millard, Hayley Platt, Tyler Sarkis, Jordan Snead, Austin Tijerina, Mabel Tyler, and Kiersten Wallace.

The creative team for Shrek The Musical includes Author and Lyricist David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole), Composer Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Director/Choreographer Chase Todd, Music Director Billy Payne, Scenic Designer Tom Buderwitz, Costume Designer Kathryn Bergh, Lighting Designer Brian D. Frey, Hair and Wig Designer George Deavours, Production Manager and Sound Designer Daniel Pattillo, and Production Stage Manager Liz Campbell.

Shrek The Musical will be presented at the intimate Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, located at 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060. Free parking is available next to the theatre. To purchase tickets, visit www.AtlantaLyric.com.

Photos courtesy of Atlanta Lyric Theatre

Brittany Yellis (Teen Princess Fiona), Randi Garza (Princess Fiona) and Mabel Tyler (Young Princess Fiona)

Randi Garza (Princess Fiona), Ryan Everett Wood (Shrek) and Quentin Avery Brown (Donkey)

Dragon

Fairytale Creatures

Quentin Avery Brown (Donkey)

Ryan Everett Wood (Shrek)

Ryan Everett Wood (Shrek)

Ryan Everett Wood (Shrek)

Vatican Lokey (Lord Farquaad) and Randi Garza (Princess Fiona)

Vatican Lokey (Lord Farquaad) and the people of Duloc