BREAKING NEWS: Norbert Leo Butz to Lead BIG FISH in Chicago Pre-Broadway Premiere!

[Rob]

Click Here to Read BREAKING NEWS: Norbert Leo Butz to Lead BIG FISH in Chicago Pre-Broadway Premiere!

[Huss417]

This was just calling out to be made into a musical? I liked the movie but not sure as a musical.

Great people behind it but personally no interest. Maybe my mind will be changed at some point but so tired of movies being turned into musicals. I know this has been going on for years but I'm not sure to the degree it has been for past decade or so.

[DeNada]

While I'm not super-inspired by the creatives personally (not a big Andrew Lippa or Susan Stroman fan), I actually think this is a pretty good story for a musical. Many stories where the point is the distinction between fantasy and reality are inherently theatrical, and the very romantic tone of Big Fish certainly suits musical theatre.

Butz is a charming actor, but is he charming in the right kind of way?

[JoeKv99]

I remember when I heard Steve was writing a musical based on a painting. I guess in retrospect, I am glad he didn't listen to me.

[wonkit]

Actually, Steve was inspired by a poem about the painting, as I recall.

[mamaleh]

I like Norbert Leo Butz, but wasn't Michael C. Hall supposed to star? And originally, Hugh Jackman had been interested, if I recall correctly. I wonder if Butz or Hall will be in the Broadway incarnation?

[Starship]

Excited to see how this one turns out. I wasn't wild for the movie, but the show has an interesting concept. And, I see a lot of roles for some awesome Broadway talent, too!

@mamaleh - Yes, Jackman was in the mix for Edward Bloom when the show was first being developed.

[rjm516]

I'm so freaking excited. I think this could be an amazing musical, and Norbert will be so great. I need to get tickets and get to Chicago!

[PlayItAgain]

very disappointed that Michael C Hall isn't still attached (although Norbert could just be doing it out of town because Michael has filming commitments for Dexter)

[Kad]

Two-time Tony winner Norbert Leo Butz is more than capable of headlining a major musical.

[mikem]

I can't imagine that Butz would agree to be in the lead in an out of town tryout for a new musical without an understanding that he would be in the lead on Broadway. He's way past the place in his career where that would make sense professionally.

[Play Esq.]

Here here, Kad!

After seeing his set at Below 54, I don't believe there is any role the man can't play. What a talent.

[Mister Matt]

I wonder if they will figure out a way to make it less boring than the film. Oh wait, the score is Lippa. So I guess the answer is "no".

[Mister Matt]

I wonder if they will figure out a way to make it less boring than the film. Oh wait, the score is Lippa. So I guess the answer is "no".

[darquegk]

I hated Addams Family as much as the next person, but I found Lippa's "Wild Party" a ton of fun. I'm cautious but slightly optimistic.

[Rodgerdodger]

Yeah, color me cautiously optimistic too. I'm so glad Butz has another new show.

[rosscoe(au)]

One hell of a boring movie.

[wonkit]

Didn't care for the movie. Think Norbert can do anything.

[Younger Brother]

Does anyone know if Laura Benanti is still involved?

[Scarywarhol]

Gorgeous film. Lippa will piss all over it, like he does with everything.

[Owen22]

Andrew Lippa can write a great show melody. Though or course, that can be debated, but I don't know anyone of the "new" crop who is as successful embracing the old type of B'way style melody-type (it can also be debated if that's a good or a bad thing).

He just shouldn't be writing his own lyrics. Ever.

[broadwaybabytn]

I doubt Benanti is involved at this stage. Isn't she on that awful looking new Matthew Perry show than NBC keeps plugging?

[Idiot]

I realize that taste is wildly subjective, but if you found BIG FISH boring your heart is dead in your chest.

[RippedMan]

I've never seen the whole movie because like Newsies, I always fall asleep. So boring.

And Lippa is hit or miss. I saw him in concert and he played some tunes and not a good one in the bunch.

[Scarywarhol]

I can't believe how many people are calling this a bore on here. One of my favorites. Everyone I know who's seen it says they cry every time.

[Younger Brother]

Wow. Never heard anyone refer to the film as "boring" before. One of my all time favorite films. Really excited to see this on stage!