BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo will welcome Shrek The Musical at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13, and Friday, Dec. 14, in the Mainstage Theatre in the Center for the Arts, UB North Campus.

An entirely new musical that opened on Broadway in December 2009, Shrek The Musical is based on the story and characters from William Steig's book Shrek!, as well as the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film Shrek, the first chapter of the Shrek movie series.

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film that started it all, Shrek The Musical brings the hilarious story of everyone's favorite swamp-dwelling ogre to life on stage. In a faraway fairy tale kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when Shrek goes on an adventure to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wise-cracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues a feisty princess and learns that real friendship and true love aren't only found in fairy tales. With a terrific score of 19 all-new songs, more than a dozen hilarious supporting characters, big laughs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, Shrek The Musical is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun.

Shrek The Musical features a book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole, Good People) and music by Olivier Award-winner Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Caroline, or Change). Shrek The Musical is directed by Stephen Sposito, who recently served as associated director of the current Broadway revival How To Succeed In Business. Sets and costumes are based on the Tony Award-winner designs by Tim Hatley (Private Lives, Spamalot) and Chris Bailey will recreate the original Hchoreography by Josh Prince (The Bridge Project, The Jerry Springer Opera).

Tickets for Shrek The Musical are $62, $57, $52 and $47 general admission and $27 for students (balcony only). Tickets are available at the Center for the Arts Box Office (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and tickets.com. To charge tickets, call 1-888-223-6000. For more information, call 716-645-2787 or visit http://www.ubcfa.org.