“Shrek the Musical,” the enormously successful Broadway show based on the animated film, begins its three-weekend run at the Playhouse Merced mainstage at 7:30 p.m. tonight.

It’s a family show where fairy tale worlds collide with loads of laughs and a lot of heart. “Shrek the Musical” tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing 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.

The role of Shrek, is played by Stephen Mouillesseaux. Rachel Pearre plays Princess Fiona. G.B. Blackmon III is Shrek’s lovably annoying best friend Donkey and Joe Hypes plays the vertically challenged villain Lord Farquaad.

Playhouse Merced’s production is directed by Robert Hypes and is musically directed by Joel Scott Shade. It also stars Corey Strauss, Dianne Kocher and Melissa Beckwith, along with Beki Rush, Jade Seymour, Jesse Stofle, Katt Szyndler, Lauren Miller, Madison Mitchell, Patrick Keegan McKenna, Patti Feliciano, Elena Carter, Garrett Mayer and Rachel De Vera.

“Shrek the Musical” plays Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Through March 16. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors, $12 for students and $10 for children. Purchase tickets by calling 725-8587, or visiting the box office at 452 West Main Street in downtown Merced, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The show is rated “G.”