John August News

BIG FISH, a new musical based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Columbia Picturesfilm written by John August, will have its pre-Broadway world premiere at Chicago's Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph Street) in a limited 5-week engagement beginning performances today, Tuesday, April 2, 2013, opening Friday, April 19, 2013, and playing through Sunday, May 5, 2013. Tickets for the Chicago engagement on sale Monday, February 4, 2013.

Stars of the new Big Fish musical, Norbert Leo Butz and Kate Baldwin, as well as director/chorgeographer Susan Stroman, spoke with WGN TV about the premiere in Chicago which is now in tech rehearsals. In this interview, Stroman says working on this show is 'Tiring, exhausting, but fun,' Butz talks about how tech is really Susan's time, and Baldwin discusses the journey of this 'fantastical' show.

If you haven't had the chance to catch up on your theater news, look no further than today's recap of all things theater - exclusive features, interviews, reviews and more! - around the Broadway World for the week of March 18!

BIG FISH might not be heading to Broadway until Fall 2013, but the Chicago production is currently gearing up, and you can check out two just-released promo images of the shows stars (Norbert Leo Butz and Kate Baldwin) below!

On Wednesday, March 20, 2013, BroadwayWorld's Chicago Regional Editor, Paul W. Thompson, sat down for exclusive talks with co-star Bobby Steggert, with the writing team of Andrew Lippa (music and lyrics) and John August (book) and with co-star Kate Baldwin in the balcony lobby of Chicago's Oriental Theatre. Here is his report:

Below, check out two new songs from the show: 'Fight the Dragons' as sung by Norbert Leo Butz and 'Time Stops' as sung by Butz and Kate Baldwin. Catch a first listen below!

In the video below, director Susan Stroman chats with 'Windy City Live' about the new musical and stars Kate Baldwin & Norbert Leo Butz perform 'Time Stops.' Check it out below!

BIG FISH, a new musical based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Columbia Pictures film written by John August, will open Sunday, October 6, 2013, at Broadway's Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street). Directed and choreographed 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), a book by Grammy and BAFTA Award nominee John August (Frankenweenie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Big Fish begins previews on Broadway Thursday, September 5, 2013. CLICK HERE to listen to 'Time Stops' as sung by Norbert Leo Butz and Kate Baldwin!

BIG FISH, a new musical based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Columbia Pictures film written by John August, will offer $29 tickets to college students for its first four performances, April 2-5, 2013. Students will also be invited to attend a Q&A following the show with the cast and creative team members. 200 tickets per performance will be available at this special price when students use the code UNIVERSITY. Tickets are available online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

BIG FISH, a new musical based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Columbia Pictures film written by John August, will open Sunday, October 6, 2013, at Broadway's Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street). Directed and choreographed 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), a book by Grammy and BAFTA Award nominee John August (Frankenweenie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Big Fish begins previews on Broadway Thursday, September 5, 2013. In the video below, Norbert Leo Butz and Kate Baldwin sing 'Time Stops' from the show. Check it out below!

BIG FISH, a new musical based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Columbia Pictures film written by John August, will open Sunday, October 6, 2013, at Broadway's Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street). Directed and choreographed 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), a book by Grammy and BAFTA Award nominee John August (Frankenweenie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Big Fish begins previews on Broadway Thursday, September 5, 2013. In the video below, Susan Stroman and the rest of the creative team chat about the project. Here what they had to say below!

BIG FISH, a new musical based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Columbia Pictures film written by John August, will open Sunday, October 6, 2013, at Broadway's Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street). Directed and choreographed 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), a book by Grammy and BAFTA Award nominee John August (Frankenweenie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Big Fish begins previews on Broadway Thursday, September 5, 2013. Check out a just-released television spot for the show below!

BIG FISH, a new musical based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Columbia Pictures film written by John August, will open Sunday, October 6, 2013, at Broadway's Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street). Directed and choreographed 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), a book by Grammy and BAFTA Award nominee John August (Frankenweenie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Big Fish begins previews on Broadway Thursday, September 5, 2013. The artwork for the show has just been revealed. Check it out below!

BIG FISH, a new musical based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Columbia Pictures film written by John August, will open Sunday, October 6, 2013, at Broadway's Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street). Directed and choreographed 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), a book by Grammy and BAFTA Award nominee John August (Frankenweenie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), BIG FISH begins previews on Broadway Thursday, September 5, 2013.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The pre-Broadway 'Big Fish,' a 'Fela!' tour, some long-running shows extend, Theo Ubique lights up the winter, Glencoe's 'Sweet Charity' jazz club, 'Lady Day,' two 'Grand Night' revues and more!

BIG FISH, a new musical based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Columbia Pictures film written by John August, will star Norbert Leo Butz as Edward Bloom, and have its pre-Broadway world premiere at Chicago's Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph Street) in a limited 5-week engagement beginning performances Tuesday, April 2, 2013, opening Sunday, April 21, 2013, and playing through Sunday, May 5, 2013. Tickets on sale Monday, February 4, 2013.

Nominations for the 40th Annual Annie Awards have been announced. Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony which will take place on February 2 at UCLA's Royce Hall.

From creative genius Tim Burton (Alice in Wonderland, The Nightmare Before Christmas) comes Frankenweenie, a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life--with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor's fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new 'leash on life' can be monstrous.

IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX; TSX:IMX) and The Walt Disney Studios today announced that Tim Burton's stop-motion, animated film, Frankenweenie will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX® 3D format and released in IMAX® digital theatres worldwide day-and-date today, Oct. 5, 2012. The film marks the first black and white Hollywood feature and first stop-motion animated movie to be presented in IMAX.

From creative genius Tim Burton (Alice in Wonderland, The Nightmare Before Christmas) comes Frankenweenie, a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life--with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor's fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new 'leash on life' can be monstrous.