Musical 'The Big Voice' Finds Off-Broadway Home, Nov. 25

The Big Voice: God or Merman?, a new musical written and performed by Jim Brochu and Steve Schalchlin, is set for an Off-Broadway run.

Presented by Murphy Cross and Paul Kreppel and Edmund Gaynes, The Big Voice will begin previews at The Actors Temple Theatre (339 W. 47th Street) on November 25th with the official opening night set for November 30, 2006. Brochu and Schalchlin wrote the off-Broadway musical The Last Session.

In The Big Voice, "Jim and Steve musicalize their relationship and hilariously prove that showbiz is as much a calling as the priesthood. This high energy, razzle-dazzle show chronicles the lives of a Baptist from Arkansas and a Catholic from Brooklyn who find eternal salvation in the temple of musical theatre," state press materials. The show "traces the couple's meeting aboard a ship in the Atlantic Ocean, Steve's struggle with AIDS, the production of their hit off-broadway musical The Last Session, their separation and their reconciliation. It's a comedy about a 'gay marriage' between two men created by the couple themselves."

The musical has toured the country extensively, playing such cities as:  Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Dallas. The show was performed at the New York Musical Theater Festival in 2005.

The Big Voice is directed by Anthony Barnao (Come Back Little Sheba, Lovers and Other Strangers). Scenic and lighting design is by Clifton Taylor (Jay Johnson: The Two and Only, Hot Feet, Frozen), costume design is by Elizabeth Flores and sound design is by David Gotwald (Jay Johnson: The Two and Only, Angela Lansbury - A Celebration).

"After touring the country, we are so thrilled to bring The Big Voice to New York audiences," said writer/performer Jim Brochu. "Our story is filled with ups and downs, tragedy and hilarity, but is one that anyone - gay, straight, male or female -  can relate to. If your religion is entertainment, this is the show for you."

Tickets for are $55 and $35. The Big Voice: God or Merman? plays Tuesday-Thursday at 8pm, Saturday at 3pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 3pm and 7pm. There will be a late night show on Fridays at 10:30pm after the opening on November 30th. Tickets can be purchased by calling Telecharge (212) 239-6200 or going to www.Telecharge.com. For more information, please visit: www.TheBigVoice.com.