It’s not a secret; I’m not a fan of movies on stage. But Shrek the Musical, now onstage at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre is a delight and is also a fine study in DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.)

How do you figure? Well, Shrek the Ogre is mean and green (just like Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors, yes, this musical is full of asides from other shows)  and he is plenty annoyed when all the personae of our childhood (Pinocchio, the Three Bears, the Three Little Pigs et al) try to take refuge in his Swamp to escape Lord Farquaad. (OK Buffalo peeps, try NOT to think of the Faa-King when you see him). Shrek sets off to liberate the fair Princess Fiona from her tower prison to wed Prince Farquaad and well, no, I won’t spoil all the fun. This journey introduces Shrek to friendship and loyalty, love and kindness, and a plethora of fart jokes. Like The Flintsones and The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle on a much smaller 1960s screen, there’s plenty of content here for the grown ups to giggle at, too.

For me, the magic was in the music. Jeanne Tesori (who also wrote the music for Kimberly Akimbo and Fun Home) and lyricist David Lindsay-Abaire capture the loveliest – and funniest – moments of this story. From the poignant “Who I’d Be” and the hopeful “I Know It’s Today” and the life-affirming “Freak Flag,” there’s some powerful storytelling dancing through these catchy pop tunes. And yes, layered like an Ogre or an onion those DEIB messages remind us that looks should never matter, different is awesome, and hope is always here.

Nicholas Hambruch as Shrek uses his rich and sumptuous baritone voice to full advantage. Cecily Dionne Davis’ (Fiona) lilting soprano is a lovely contrast. Naphtoli Yaakov Curry as Donkey is a hoot as well. The rest of the ensemble fall in line nicely, too. It was great to read the cast notes to see that many of the ensemble members were on their first National Tour. Keep it up!) Inventive costumes, a bright and cheery set, and plenty of stage magic keep the pace brisk and engaging.

As the closing song says, “This Is Our Story,” for anyone (make that everyone) who needs to remember that love can take us by surprise and the journey is worth every step, and your Freak Flag is a badge of personal honor.

Shrek the Musical has a short run to May 19 and check your tickets for earlier-than-usual curtain times. The show runs two hours with a 15-minute intermission (plenty of time to pick up an ogre-ear headband from the lobby shop). Details at sheas.org.