News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Big Fish 2013

Run Time:
2 hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission
Opened: October 6, 2013
Closing: December 29, 2013

Big Fish - 2013 Broadway History , Info & More

Neil Simon Theatre (Broadway)
250 W. 52nd St. New York, NY 10019

BIG FISH is a new Broadway musical featuring direction and choreography by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman (The Producers, The Scottsboro Boys), music and lyrics by Tony nominee Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family, The Wild Party) and a new book by esteemed screenwriter John August (Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Two-time Tony winner Norbert Leo Butz (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Catch Me If You Can), Tony nominee Kate Baldwin (Giant, Finian's Rainbow) and Tony nominee Bobby Steggert (Giant, Ragtime) lead the cast of amazing characters.

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed Columbia Pictures film directed by Tim Burton, BIG FISH centers on Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest... and then some! Edward's incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him--most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father's epic tales.

Overflowing with heart, humor and spectacular stagecraft, BIG FISH is an extraordinary new Broadway musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre--for an experience that's richer, funnier and BIGGER than life itself.


Get Big Fish Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

PREVIEW Big Fish - 2013 - Broadway

Big Fish Production Photo
Photos
Show Video Preview
Videos

FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Big Fish

STAGE REVIEW Big Fish
8 / 10

With his stocky build, short stature, and thinning hair, Butz is an unlikely leading man, but he has the loose-limbed energy and charisma of a young Dick Van Dyke. The radiant Kate Baldwin is underused as his sympathetic wife, though she brings her silken voice to the beautiful second-act ballad, 'I Don't Need a Roof' - one of the highlights of the mostly tuneful score by Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family). Steggert is less compelling as their not-so-likable son, particularly in the problematic second act saddled with several superfluous fantasy numbers and an ending that packs less of an emotional wallop than it should...For the most part, though, Big Fish finds theatrically inventive ways to reel audiences into its central love story. In this case, it isn't boy-meets-girl but father-hooks-son. And Edward Bloom is quite a catch.

Review - BIG FISH Makes Wholesome The New Hip
7 / 10

Wholesomeness gets a bad rap on Broadway these days, usually regarded as the kind of unbearably sweet and inoffensive entertainment that sophisticated theatergoers must endure while taking their conservative grandmas out for a night on the town...But Big Fish, the new musical that tattoos its heart on its arm, displays no fear in plopping its unabashed wholesomeness right in your lap. Its spirit is steeped in Rodgers and Hammerstein decency that propels an evening that's adventurous, romantic and, yeah, kinda hip. That said, the work of Andrew Lippa (score) and John August (book, based on his own screenplay of Daniel Wallace's novel) is not exactly top shelf musical theatre (although on paper Big Fish easily outclasses any original-run Broadway musical currently on the boards) but director/choreographer Susan Stroman, at the top of her game, whips this warmhearted story into a supremely imaginative and heart-tugging entertainment.

BIG FISH Makes Final Splash on Broadway Today
by BWW News Desk - December 29, 2013


The Broadway musical BIG FISH will play its final performance today, December 29, 2013, after 34 previews and 98 regular performances at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52 Street). BIG FISH began performances on Thursday, September 5, 2013, and opened on Sunday, October 6, 2013.

In the Spotlight Series: The Company of BIG FISH
by Walter McBride - December 28, 2013


The Broadway musical BIG FISH will play its final performance on Sunday, December 29, 2013, after 34 previews and 98 regular performances at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52 Street). BIG FISH began performances on Thursday, September 5, 2013, and opened on Sunday, October 6, 2013. Below you can check out photos of the company in the BroadwayWorld.com series 'In The Spotlight' by acclaimed photographer Walter McBride!

13 in 30: Video Highlights from 2013- BIG FISH
by Nicole Rosky - December 20, 2013


2014 is upon us, which means that i's time to look back on all of the highs and lows that this past theatre season has brought. BroadwayWorld is wrapping up the year by tributing our favorite moments of 2013, and in this series, we're highlighting 13 of our favorite musical moments on stage in just 30 seconds. Below, check out a 30 second clip from one of our favorite musicals of the year- Big Fish.

Photo Coverage: BIG FISH's Kate Baldwin Unveils Sardi's Portrait
by Walter McBride - December 20, 2013


The cast of Broadway's Big Fish gathered at Sardi's last night, December 20, to honor their fellow cast mate Kate Baldwin with her very own portrait. BroadwayWorld was there for the celebration and you can check out photo coverage below!

Exclusive Photo Coverage: 50 USO Members Attend BIG FISH!
by Jennifer Broski - December 20, 2013


Broadway's new musical Big Fish will play its final performance on Sunday, December 29, 2013. This is your last chance to see two-time Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Catch Me If You Can), Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin (Giant, Finian's Rainbow) and Bobby Steggert (Giant, Ragtime) onstage at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street). 50 uniformed members of the USO attended the show earlier this week and you can check out photos of them with the cast below!

BIG FISH Enters Final Three Weeks of Performances on Broadway
by Tyler Peterson - December 10, 2013


Broadway's new musical BIG FISH will play its final performance on Sunday, December 29, 2013. This is your last chance to see two-time Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Catch Me If You Can), Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin (Giant, Finian's Rainbow) and Bobby Steggert (Giant, Ragtime) onstage at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street).

Photo Coverage: In the Recording Studio with Norbert Leo Butz, Kate Baldwin & the Cast of BIG FISH
by Jennifer Broski - December 9, 2013


Broadway Records will release the original Broadway cast recording of the new musical BIG FISH digitally on Friday, February 7, 2014 and everywhere music is sold on Tuesday, February 11, 2014. The album will be produced by Andrew Lippa and Michael Croiter. Sign up to pre-order athttp://amzn.com/B00H3UKZ6E. BIG FISH began performances on Thursday, September 5, 2013, officially opened on Sunday, October 6, 2013 and will play its final performance on Sunday, December 29, 2013 at Broadway's Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street). The cast was in the recording studio earlier today and you can check out behind the scenes photos below!

BWW Interview: Chatting With BIG FISH's Brad Oscar!
by Joseph F. Panarello - November 26, 2013


Tony nominated Brad Oscar talks about replacing Nathan Lane, working with Susan Stroman and appearing the the new musical BIG FISH

Susan Stroman Announces BIG FISH Cast Album in the Works!
by Nicole Rosky - November 25, 2013


The Broadway musical Big Fish will play its final performance on Sunday, December 29, 2013, but the show will have a life after its run at the Neil Simon Theatre. A 92Y representative confirmed that, Susan Stroman, who was a panelist at last night's 'From Book to Screen: Big Fish- A Conversation with the Creative Team' at the 92Y, revealed that an original cast album is on the way. Additional details have not yet been announced.

STAGE TUBE: Andy Cohen Does BIG FISH's Alabama Stomp on WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE
by Nicole Rosky - November 13, 2013


On last night's episode of Bravo's 'Watch What Happens Live,' BIG FISH's Joshua Buscher stopped by the Clubhouse as guest bartender, and while he was there, he gave the other guests an 'Alabama Stomp' dance lesson. In the video below, watch as he taught host Andy Cohen (and MJ and Mike of "Shahs of Sunset") a few of Susan Stroman's signature steps from the show's opening number!

Breaking News: BIG FISH to Close on Broadway December 29, 2013
by Robert Diamond - November 10, 2013


The Broadway musical BIG FISH will play its final performance on Sunday, December 29, 2013, after 34 previews and 98 regular performances at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52 Street). BIG FISH began performances on Thursday, September 5, 2013, and opened on Sunday, October 6, 2013.

STAGE TUBE: Kate Baldwin Sings 'I Don't Need a Roof' from BIG FISH
by Nicole Rosky - November 7, 2013


Kate Baldwin just visited 'Good Day NY' where she performed 'I Don't Need a Roof' accompanied by Andrew Lippa. Check out her full appearance below!

STAGE TUBE: New TV Spot Released for Broadway's BIG FISH
by Nicole Rosky - November 6, 2013


Directed by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman (Contact, The Producers, The Scottsboro Boys), with music and lyrics by Grammy and Tony Award nominee Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party, The Addams Family), and a book by Grammy and BAFTA Award nominee John August (Frankenweenie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Big Fish is currently playing at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street). Check out a just-released television spot for the musical below!

STAGE TUBE: Director Susan Stroman Talks BIG FISH Choreography
by Stage Tube - October 29, 2013


In the video below, hear from five-time Tony-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman about the many unique styles of dance in BIG FISH on Broadway!

THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As with Your Favorite Broadway Stars- BIG FISH's Leah Hofmann
by BWW Staff - October 25, 2013


In this week's edition, we caught up with Leah Hofmann, who is starring in Big Fish- currently playing at the Neil SimonTheatre.

THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As with Your Favorite Broadway Stars- BIG FISH's Ciara Renee
by BWW Staff - October 18, 2013


In this week's edition, we caught up with Ciara Renee, who is starring as 'The Witch' in BIG FISH- currently playing at the Neil SimonTheatre.

BWW Interview: Bobby Steggert Talks BIG FISH's Father-Son Themes
by Naomi Serviss - October 21, 2013


Bobby Steggert plays a young man whose feet are firmly on the ground while his father spins tales far larger than life.

In the Spotlight: Cast of BIG FISH
by Walter McBride - October 14, 2013


Directed by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman (Contact, The Producers, The Scottsboro Boys), with music and lyrics by Grammy and Tony Award nominee Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party, The Addams Family), and a book by Grammy and BAFTA Award nominee John August (Frankenweenie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Big Fish opened on Broadway on Sunday, October 6, 2013 at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street). Below you can check out photos of the cast in the BroadwayWorld.com series 'In The Spotlight' by acclaimed photographer Walter McBride!

Photos and Video: Meet the Full Cast of Broadway's BIG FISH!
by Meet the Cast - October 14, 2013


Directed by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman (Contact, The Producers, The Scottsboro Boys), with music and lyrics by Grammy and Tony Award nominee Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party, The Addams Family), and a book by Grammy and BAFTA Award nominee John August (Frankenweenie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Big Fish opened on Broadway on Sunday, October 6, 2013 at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street). Scroll down to learn more about the cast!

Norbert Leo Butz Out of BIG FISH Tonight Due to Illness
by Nicole Rosky - October 10, 2013


BroadwayWorld has just learned that Norbert Leo Butz, who is currently leading BIG FSH at the Neil Simon Theatre, will be out of the show tonight, October 10, due to illness. Butz revealed to BroadwayWolrd's Richard Ridge on Sunday's opening night that he was feeling 'under the weather.' Understudy Ben Crawford will step in for Butz in his absence.

Photo Coverage: BIG FISH's Angie Schworer Receives Gypsy Robe!
by Walter McBride - October 8, 2013


The company of Big Fish just celebrated their opening with the Gypsy Robe ritual with the company's recipient Angie Schworer. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the event and brings you full photo coverage below!

TV: BIG FISH's Norbert Leo Butz, Kate Baldwin, Bobby Steggert & More Celebrate Opening Night!
by Nicole Rosky - October 8, 2013


BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was there for teh special celebration and you can check out what the cast and creative team had to say about the new musical at the after party below!

In Performance: BIG FISH's Norbert Leo Butz Sings 'Fight the Dragons'
by Caryn Robbins - October 8, 2013


In today's New York Times 'In Performance' video, Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz, who portrays Edward Bloom in the new Broadway musical BIG FISH, sings the number 'Fight the Dragons,' in which he shares his love of telling stories with his young son. Jim Hershman accompanies on guitar. Check it out here!

Photo Coverage: BIG FISH Opening Night Arrivals- Part 2!
by Walter McBride - October 7, 2013


BIG FISH opened last night, October 6 on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre and BroadwayWorld.com was there to capture the excitement and the magic of the evening.The production stars two-time Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz as Edward Bloom, Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin as Sandra Bloom, and Tony Award nominee Bobby Steggert as Will Bloom. Below, we bring you photos from the star-studded theatre arrivals, PART 2! Click here to check out PART 1.

STAGE TUBE: Ole Miss' LARAMIE PROJECT Cast Thanks BIG FISH for Support
by Nicole Rosky - October 7, 2013


Just last week, the cast of Big Fish on Broadway shared a supportive message for the cast of the Ole Miss production of THE LARAMIE PROJECT, which made national news this week after a group of football players interrupted the show with homophobic slurs and 'borderline hate speech' on October 1st. Now the cast has responded to the support with a thank you to the cast of BIG FISH. Check it out below!

Big Fish History

Other Productions of Big Fish

2013   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
2017   London London Premiere
London
2017   West End The Other Palace Revival
West End

Big Fish - 2013 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2014 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Bobby Steggert
2014 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Music Andrew Lippa
2014 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Orchestrations Larry Hochman

Videos