The musical version of "Big Fish" will have its pre-Broadway world premiere at Chicago's Oriental Theatre, kicking off a five-week run on April 5, 2013.
In addition, the show's backers have lined up a production team of heavy-hitters to complement Tony-winning star Norbert Leo Butz ("Catch Me If You Can") and multi-Tony-winning director Susan Stroman ("The Producers").
In a sign that producers are sparing no expense in mounting a stage version of the 2003 Tim Burton film and novel by Daniel Wallace," "Big Fish" has lined up a crew that will feature scenic design by Drama Desk winner Julian Crouch ("A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"), costume design by five-time Tony Award winner William Ivey Long ("Cabaret"), lighting design by two-time Tony Award winner Donald Holder ("Golden Boy") and sound design by Jon Weston ("The Color Purple"), with projection design by 59 Productions.
The show will feature a book by John August, who adapted the novel for the screen. "Big Fish" centers on a tall-tale spinning father and his estranged son. Andrew Lippa will handle the music and lyrics.