"Big Fish," the musical based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and Tim Burton's 2003 film, will open on Broadway Oct. 6 at the Neil Simon Theatre.
Staged by Tony Award-winning director Susan Stroman ("The Producers"), the musical features a book by "Frankenweenie" screenwriter John August, who wrote the screenplay for the "Big Fish" movie, and music by Andrew Lippa ("The Wild Party").
"Big Fish" tells the story of a son who returns home to see his dying father, whose wild stories of epic adventures have created a rift between the two. As they reunite, the son launches into a journey to find the true story of his father's life and his tall tales.
The musical will have its world premiere with a five-week engagement beginning April 19 at Chicago's Oriental Theatre. Previews there start April 2.
The cast includes Tony Award-winning actor Norbert Leo Butz ("Catch Me If You Can") as Ed Bloom, the character played by Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor in the movie, and Kate Baldwin ("Finian's Rainbow") as Sandra Bloom, played in the movie by Alison Lohman. Bobby Steggert will take Billy Crudup's role of Will Bloom, and Zachary Unger will play Young Will.
The musical is produced by Dan Jinks, Bruce Cohen and Stage Entertainment with Roy Furman, the Nederlander Organization, John Domo and Broadway Across America.
