Big Fish: new musical expected Spring 2012

Big Fish, a new musical based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Columbia Pictures film written by John August, will be directed and choreographed by multiple Tony Award-winner Susan Stroman, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a book by John August.

Produced by Academy Award winners Jinks and Cohen, Big Fish is targeting a Broadway bow in spring 2012. Casting and design team to be announced shortly.

A fantasy set in the American South, Big Fish centers on the charismatic Edward Bloom, whose impossible stories of his life's epic adventures frustrate his son Will. Now, with Edward on his deathbed, Will must embark on his own journey to find out who his father really is, unraveling the man from the myth, the truth from the tall tales.

"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," said producer Dan Jinks. "They have created a musical that is enormously entertaining, hilariously funny and spectacularly moving."

"We are ecstatic to be working with this generation's pre-eminent director/choreographer, launching Big Fish on the eve of her double Tony nominations for 'The Scottsboro Boys,'" said producer Bruce Cohen. "Susan Stroman has the artistic vision and talent to bring this tale of reconciliation between a father and son to the stage."

"Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions" by Daniel Wallace was first printed in 1998. In December 2003, a film based on the novel was released by Columbia Pictures directed by Tim Burton, starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lang and Helena Bonham Carter.

Bios:

Susan Stroman (Director and Choreographer) has been nominated for thirteen Tony Awards, and has won one for Best Director for her helming of 'The Producers,' and four for her choreography of 'The Producers,' 'Contact,' 'Show Boat,' and 'Crazy for You.' Her Other Broadway credits 'The Scottsboro Boys,' 'Young Frankenstein,' 'The Froggs,' 'Oklahoma!,' Thou Shall Not,' 'The Music Man,' 'Steel Pier,' 'Big,' 'Picnic,' 'Musical Chairs' and 'Whoopee!.' Film: 'Center Stage' (American Choreography Award), 'The Producers: The Movie Musical' (four Golden Globe nominations).

Andrew Lippa (Music and Lyrics) received a 2010 Tony nomination for Best Original Score for 'The Addams Family.' New York theatre credits include' The Wild Party' (Manhattan Theatre Club); the score for Aaron Sorkin's 'The Farnsworth Invention' (Broadway); new songs for 'You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown' (Broadway); 'john & jen' (co-written with Tom Greenwald). Recordings: 'The Wild Party,' 'john & jen,' 'Charlie Brown,' Julia Murney's 'I'm Not Waiting,' 'Bat Boy' (Producer) and the forthcoming 'A Little Princess' (co-written with Brian Crawley).

John August (Book) received a 2004 BAFTA nomination for his screenplay for "Big Fish. His other credits include "Go, Titan A.E.," "Charlie's Angels," "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle," "Corpse Bride," "The Nines" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," for which he received a 2006 Grammy nomination for lyrics.

Susan Stroman