Ben Crawford begins performances as the lovable swamp-dwelling title character in Broadway’s Shrek the Musical.

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.

Crawford replaces Tony nominee Brian d’Arcy James, who is departing the production to star in MTC’s Time Stands Still.