Big Fish musical will play Chicago en route to Broadway

Caption: 

Norbert Leo Butz

Credits: 

Photo: courtesy of Broadway in Chicago

The new musical Big Fish, adapted from the 1998 novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Tim Burton film of the same name, will try out at Chicago's Oriental Theatre next spring in advance of its Broadway bow.

Two-time Tony winner Norbert Leo Butz will star as Edward Bloom, the charismatic storyteller whose exaggerated tales cause a rift with his disbelieving son. Both Dexter star Michael C. Hall and Hugh Jackman had previously expressed interest in the role, which was played in the film at different ages by Ewan MacGregor and Albert Finney. No further casting has been announced. The musical has a book by John August, who also adapted the screenplay from Wallace's novel, and a score by Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family); Susan Stroman (The Producers, Young Frankenstein) will direct.

Big Fish will play the Oriental Theatre April 2–May 5 as part of Broadway in Chicago's Spring 2013 season. Season subscriptions go on sale later this month; individual tickets will be made available at a later date.