Chicago reeled in a big catch Feb. 5 with a very special preview for the musical version of Big Fish at the Pritzker Military Library. Attendees were treated to the history of the show from five-time Tony winner Susan Stroman, who directed and choreographed the piece.
The show had been kept under wraps ever since it was inspired by the Tim Burton film that was released in 2003. The rumors were true and the Windy City wins a five-week limited engagement before the Broadway debut from April 2 to May 5 at the Oriental Theatre.
Set in the South, the story surrounds the tales Edward Bloom tells his son over the years about his past. This is all based on the Daniel Wallace book Big Fish: A Tale of Mythic Proportions.
Norbert Leo Butz and Kate Baldwin, the stars of the show, were on hand to sing a duet. Stories were told about Big Fish and the actors' journeys to being a part of it. Butz, who stars as Edward Bloom, has won two Tonys for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Catch Me If You Can. Baldwin, who plays Sandra Bloom, was born in Evanston and is a graduate of Northwestern, giving her a local connection. She has played roles in Giant and Finian's Rainbow.
Look for costumes by openly gay designer William Ivey Long covering the 27-person cast this spring.
Get your tickets before they swim away at 800-775-2000 or online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com .