Broadway-Bound BIG FISH Gets Developmental Workshop Mar. 12 - Apr. 8

According to an Equity audition notice, the Broadway-Bound production of BIG FISH will get a developmental workshop next year, from March 12 through April 8, 2012.  Auditions will be held by Tara Rubin Casting on Thursday, January 5, 2012, Monday, January 9, 2012, and Tuesday, January 10, 2012 in New York City. Susan Stroman will direct and choreograph.

An industry reading of the musical adaptation of Tim Burton's BIG FISH, last held a private industry reading in New York City in November. As previously announced, the show, which was initially aiming for Broadway in Spring 2012, is now set to open in Spring 2013, possibly with Michael C. Hall starring if scheduling can be arranged with his Dexter commitments.  

This upcoming production is auditioning for all roles, including:

Edward Bloom:

30s-40s (but actor also plays Edward as a teenager, and in his early 60s). Charismatic Southern storyteller. Leaves small-town Ashton in search of adventure. Indentured with a traveling circus, he eventually meets the love of his life, Sandra, and begins family life with their son, Will. But Edward’s heart is on the road, where he works as a traveling salesman. Edward maintains that his tall tales are true – which, in a way, they are, as a reflection of the way he sees the world and wants his son to live. Comedy and charisma are essential. Edward is a storyteller. Performer MUST be an EXCELLENT singer. Must be comfortable with contemporary rhythms and styles. Not exclusively a “Broadway” sound.

Will:

Mid - late 20s. Reporter for the AP in Paris; Will’s job is to report the facts. His frustration with his father’s wild tales -- lies, as Will sees them -- leads to an argument that keeps father and son from talking to each other for three years. But with Edward facing terminal illness, and Will expecting his first child, the two men must come to terms. Performer MUST be an EXCELLENT singer. Must be comfortable with contemporary rhythms and styles. Modern Broadway sensibility. Tenor with sustained G.

Sandra:

30s-40s (but actress also plays Sandra as a teenager, and in her early 60s). Edward’s wife -- the love of his life -- whom we first meet auditioning for a traveling circus. She’s the only person who loves and understands both Edward and Will, and must try to help them repair the bridges they’ve burned. She tries to stay strong, knowing she’ll soon lose her husband. Performer MUST be an EXCELLENT singer. Must be comfortable with contemporary rhythms and styles. Leaning towards country. Mezzo with strong mix to Eb/F.

Karl the Giant:

20s - late 30s. A “monster” who arrives at Edward’s childhood small town, Karl is, in fact, a sad-sack loner with a gift for big numbers. His comedy is like Eeyore from “Winnie the Pooh”. Karl’s height will be augmented for fantasy sequences, but the actor himself MUST BE VERY TALL (6’5” +). Basso profundo, with a solid low E.

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 Susan Stroman, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a book by John August. It will produced by Academy Award winners Jinks and Cohen.

A rollicking 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.

"Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions" was first printed in 1998. In December 2003, a critically acclaimed film of Big Fish was released by Columbia Pictures directed by Tim Burton, starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lang and Helena Bonham Carter. The film was nominated for an Academy Award, Grammy Award, 4 Golden Globe Awards and 7 BAFTA Awards.