"Shrek the Musical" is now playing in Coeur d'Alene.

The Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre production opened Thursday and continues tonight through Aug. 23 at the Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Road. Tickets: $49/adults, $42/seniors and military, $27/children (6-12). Organizers ask that no children under 6 be brought to the show.

For tickets, visit: www.cdasummertheatre.com or (208) 660-2958

Based on the Dreamworks movie, "Shrek the Musical" is a modern spin on classic fairy tales, where the Ogre (Shrek) becomes the hero. The pop-rock score includes songs like "Freak Flag," "Morning Person" and "Who I'd Be," which are fast becoming staples of the musical theater repertoire.

"At its heart a romantic adventure story, 'Shrek the Musical' exists in a unique place in canon thereby juxtaposing unforgettable classic storybook characters with contemporary language, music and issues of identity and family," stated a press release.

Playing the title role of Shrek is Erik Gratton. Fresh from a whirlwind year appearing in several Seattle productions - Village Theatre's "Mary Poppins" and the title role in "The Noteworthy Life Of Howard Barnes," and in Book-it Repertory's acclaimed "Slaughterhouse-Five" - Gratton will be making his CST debut. And coming from New York, Liz Shivener will be playing Fiona, a role she perfected while on the national tour. Audiences around the nation have also had the honor of seeing Liz play Belle in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast."

Organizers said: "Shrek is truly a treat for all ages. While this show may be considered by some a kids show, the humor in it is really quite tantalizing for a seasoned audience."