Brian d'Arcy James to play Shrek on B'way

NEW YORK, March 20 (UPI) -- Broadway veteran Brian d'Arcy James has been cast in the title role of the upcoming New York stage production of "Shrek the Musical."

James has previously starred in the Broadway productions of "The Apple Tree," "The Lieutenant of Inishmore," "Sweet Smell of Success" and "Titanic."

Representatives for "Shrek the Musical" said Chester Gregory II will play Donkey and John Tartaglia will play Pinocchio in the production, which is based on the story and characters from William Steig's children's book "Shrek!" and the first film in the animated movie franchise.

James, Gregory and Tartaglia will be joined on stage by previously announced cast members Sutton Foster as Princess Fiona, Christopher Sieber as Lord Farquaad and Kecia Lewis-Evans as The Dragon.

Additional casting will be announced soon, representatives for the show said.

Preview performances are scheduled to begin Nov. 8, following a pre-Broadway run at Seattle's The 5th Avenue Theatre from Aug. 14 through Sept. 21.

The show is set to open on Broadway Dec. 14.