"Big Fish" Musical on Broadway Oct. 6

The Wrap reports that the musical version of Big Fish will be coming to Broadway on October 6th, where it will play at the Neil Simon Theatre. The production is based on the original novel by Daniel Wallace and the Tim Burton film. Susan Stroman directed the show, with the book written by frequent Tim Burton collaborator John August (screenwriter of Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Frankenweenie, etc.).

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.

"Big Fish" Musical Pre-Broadway Premiere in Chicago

Broadway World has announced that the musical adaptation of Big Fish will have its pre-Broadway premiere at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph Street) in a limited 5-week engagement beginning performances Tuesday, April 2, 2013, and playing through Sunday, May 5, 2013.

Norbert Leo Butz (pictured above) will headline as the protagonist, Edward Bloom. Big Fish is directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman (best known for The Producers), with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, a book by John August (who also wrote the screenplay of Tim Burton's 2003 film), and is produced by Academy Award winners Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen.

"BIg Fish": The Musical

The New York Times' Art Beat reports that Big Fish will be adapted into a Broadway musical, possibly by Spring 2012.

Susan Stroman, the Tony award winning director and choreographer of "The Producers," will direct. The musical also has Andrew Lippa ("The Addams Family") writing the music and lyrics and John August is writing the book for the show. August also wrote the screenplay for the 2003 Tim Burton film.

Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, who produced Burton's film adaptation of Daniel Wallace's novel, will also be producing the Broadway musical.

“John August and Andrew Lippa have taken inspiration from Daniel Wallace’s book and Tim Burton’s movie and completely re-imagined this ambitious story for the stage,” Mr. Jinks said in a statement. Added Mr. Cohen: “Susan Stroman has the artistic vision and talent to bring this tale of reconciliation between a father and son to the stage.”

Cast members and the design team will be announced later.