Musical Adaptation of Big Fish Set for Spring 2012 Broadway Bow, Directed by Susan Stroman

A musical adaptation of the novel and movie drama Big Fish is set to open on Broadway in the spring of 2012. Five-time Tony winner Susan Stroman (The Scottsboro Boys, The Producers) has signed on as director and choreographer. The show will feature music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family) and a book by John August, who also wrote the screenplay. Casting and design team will be announced shortly.

Based on the 1998 Daniel Wallace novel of the same name, Big Fish follows the troubled relationship between Edward Bloom and his son, Will. On his deathbed, Edward recounts adventurous tall tales from his life as a traveling salesmen. A 2003 film adaptation directed by Tim Burton starred Billy Crudup, Albert Finney, Ewan McGregor and Jessica Lange.

A reading of the musical recently took place with Tony winners Hugh Jackman and Laura Benanti in the cast.

"John August and Andrew Lippa have taken inspiration from Daniel Walllace's book and Tim Burton's movie and completely re-imagined this ambitious story for the stage," producer Dan Jinks said in a statement. "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 Bruce Cohen, who will join with Jinks to produce the new musical.