Ben Crawford to Replace Brian d'Arcy James in Shrek the Musical

Ben Crawford, the current standby for Tony-nominated star Brian d’Arcy James, will take over the title role in Shrek the Musical on November 10 at the Broadway Theatre. James is departing the musical on November 8 to star in Manhattan Theatre Company production of Time Stands Still.

Crawford made his Broadway debut in the revival of Les Misérables, where he understudied the roles of both Javert and Jean Valjean. His other stage credits include Oliver! at the MUNY, Oklahoma! at TOTS, Carousel, White Christmas, Guys and Dolls and Assassins.

Shrek, the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure, is based on the story and characters from William Steig's book Shrek! as well as the DreamWorks animated film. It features a book and lyrics David Lindsay-Abaire, music by Jeanine Tesori and direction by Jason Moore.

The musical currently stars James as Shrek, Sutton Foster as Princess Fiona, Christopher Sieber as Lord Farquaad, Daniel Breaker as Donkey and John Tartaglia as Pinocchio. The cast also features Cameron Adams, Tessa Albertson, Rozi Baker, Haven Burton, Bobby Daye, Ryan Duncan, Sarah Jane Everman, Aymee Garcia, Maya Goldman, Justin Greer, Colleen Hawks, Lisa Ho, Chris Hoch, Marty Lawson, Carolyn Ockert-Haythe, Frankie Paparone, Denny Paschall, Eric Petersen, Keven Quillon, Heather Jane Rolff, Jennifer Simard, Rachel Stern, Dennis Stowe, David F.M. Vaughn, Ryan Worsing and Kirsten Wyatt.