He's no hold-over ogre. At least for now.

Speculation about "Shrek: The Musical" coming to Chicago for a sit-down production (like "Wicked" and "Jersey Boys") or an extended run (like "Mary Poppins" recently enjoyed) were put to rest Monday. During a news conference, Broadway in Chicago announced the musical based on the hit film franchise will kick off a national tour here with a modest July 13-Sept. 5 engagement at the Cadillac Palace.

Composer Jeanine Tesori, lyricist David Lindsay-Abaire and Northwestern alumnus Brian d'Arcy James (who originated the role of the big green ogre on Broadway) performed selections from the show. At least one of Tim Hatley's clever costume designs was showcased when actor Chris Hoch, who understudies the role of Lord Farquaad on Broadway, took to the stage to perform a song from the show on his knees as the short ruler.

Tesori took a second to thank the Joseph Jefferson Committee for its recent award for her previous musical, "Caroline, or Change."

"Broadway continues to break my heart, but the rest of America restores it," she said.

The Broadway production of "Shrek" will close Jan. 3. One of the show's producers, Chicago native Bill Damaschke, said he's hoping the musical finds new life on tour.

" 'Legally Blonde' has been a huge hit on the road," he said. "We're only in Chicago for eight weeks, which means you've only got a limited time to catch us."

Group tickets are currently available at (312) 977-1710. Individual tickets will go on sale in early 2010.

Casting for the national tour is also expected early next year.