Patrick Wilson To Lead Broadway-Bound BIG FISH Workshop

If you’re looking for a musical that combines heartfelt storytelling, magical realism, and plenty of emotional pull, you’ll be pleased to hear that Patrick Wilson will soon lead a private industry reading of BIG FISH in New York City. This newly revised workshop of the beloved musical, which has charmed audiences in both the United States and the United Kingdom, points to a promising future on Broadway. Here’s what we know so far—and why you should be just as excited as we are.

The Story That Captivated Millions

Originally based on the 1998 novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Columbia Pictures film directed by Tim Burton, BIG FISH follows the relationship between travelling salesman Edward Bloom (played in this workshop by Patrick Wilson) and his sceptical son, Will Bloom (portrayed by Jordan Donica). Edward is known for his larger-than-life tales—stories teeming with witches, giants, and improbable heroics—while Will seeks the reality behind the myths his father has spun. This father-son dynamic is at the heart of the story, offering a poignant exploration of love, family, and the power of imagination.

In both the novel and the film, Edward’s fantastical worldview is a double-edged sword: it makes him a charming, magnetic figure in the eyes of many, but it also distances him from Will, who longs for honesty over hyperbole. By weaving in surreal elements—like a looming giant named Karl or a mysterious Witch—BIG FISH strikes a sweet balance between whimsical fantasy and human relationships. As you might expect, the musical adaptation revels in the spectacle of these tall tales, using song, dance, and stagecraft to bring Edward’s imagination vividly to life.

A Musical With Broadway Roots

While this upcoming reading is billed as “Broadway-bound,” BIG FISH is no stranger to the Great White Way. The musical first premiered in Chicago in April 2013, directed by the legendary Susan Stroman, before opening on Broadway that same autumn. Starring Norbert Leo Butz as Edward Bloom, the original production boasted eye-popping visuals and an emotional core that resonated with theatre fans. Though it closed after just three months on Broadway, BIG FISH went on to develop a passionate following, in large part due to its compelling themes of reconciliation and the power of storytelling.

This new workshop aims to polish and refine the material, introducing fresh elements while retaining the heartfelt essence that fans have come to cherish. The reading’s producers—TRW Production in collaboration with Theatrical Rights Worldwide—are working closely with the show’s creators to ensure that this latest iteration of BIG FISH is ready to make a splash when it arrives onstage.

A Star-Studded Cast And Creative Team

At the forefront of this reading is Patrick Wilson, a two-time Tony Award nominee known for his roles in both stage musicals and blockbuster films. Wilson’s Broadway credits include The Full Monty and Oklahoma!, and many will recognise him from films such as The Phantom of the Opera (2004) and the Conjuring series. His proven ability to bring warmth, depth, and charisma to a role makes him an ideal choice for the big-hearted Edward Bloom.

Joining him is a stellar ensemble. Jordan Donica will play Will Bloom, while Nikki Renée Daniels takes on Sandra Bloom, Edward’s devoted wife. Additional cast members include Hannah Cruz as Josephine Bloom, Alexander Gemignani as Amos Callaway, Nicholas Ward as Karl the Giant, Rema Webb as The Witch, Haven Burton as Jenny Hill, David Hull as Don Price, Mike Wartella as Zacky Price, Lance Roberts as Mayor/Dr. Bennett, and Emjay Roa as Young Will Bloom. The company is rounded out by Lauren Blackman, Trista Dollison, and Arianna Stucki. Casting is by Craig Burns at the Telsey Office.

It’s not just the cast that’s remarkable. The reading will be directed by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks, a Broadway heavyweight known for helming smash-hits like Hello, Dolly! and Guys and Dolls. This directorial involvement underscores the workshop’s potential, signifying a strong push toward a fully staged production that could reach Broadway audiences in the near future.

The Creative Minds Behind BIG FISH

BIG FISH wouldn’t be the show it is without the talent of its creative team. The book is penned by John August, whose film credits include Big Fish (the screenplay for Tim Burton’s film), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Frankenweenie. August’s knack for blending whimsical storytelling with heartfelt emotion is a perfect match for the world of Edward Bloom.

The music and lyrics come from Andrew Lippa, a Tony Award-nominated composer renowned for shows like The Addams Family and The Wild Party. Lippa’s knack for creating soaring, memorable numbers makes him one of musical theatre’s most respected contemporary voices. In BIG FISH, you can expect songs that swing between the rousing spectacle of Edward’s tall tales and the tender introspection of a father searching for connection with his son.

It’s no secret that musicals often revolve around themes of love, adversity, and self-discovery. BIG FISH puts a fresh spin on that formula by exploring the tension between imagination and truth. Edward Bloom is a character who uses his stories to mask uncomfortable realities and elevate ordinary life into something spectacular. Will, meanwhile, is determined to separate fact from fiction, unsure of how to love a father he barely understands.

This kind of intergenerational conflict resonates with many of us, whether we see ourselves as the dreamer or the realist. In a world where we’re constantly inundated with information—and sometimes misinformation—BIG FISH offers a timely reflection on the stories we tell and the truths that lie beneath. The musical also highlights how those very stories can knit families together, even as they obscure genuine facts.

Past Productions And UK Connections

Though BIG FISH has yet to become a staple of the international musical theatre scene, it has certainly left its mark. Notably, in 2017, a production ran at The Other Palace in London, starring Kelsey Grammer as Edward Bloom and Clare Burt as Sandra. Directed by Nigel Harman, this London adaptation received praise for its intimate staging and emotional resonance, further proving that BIG FISH has global appeal.

The UK production scaled down some of the flashier aspects seen on Broadway, focusing instead on the father-son relationship at its core. This emphasis on intimacy struck a chord with British audiences, who appreciated the show’s ability to feel personal while still offering moments of delightful fantasy. Now, with a new reading set to refine the musical even more, theatre enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic will be watching closely to see how this workshop breathes fresh life into an already beloved piece.

A Unique Perspective On Fatherhood

One standout aspect of BIG FISH is its decision to focus so heavily on a father figure, a role sometimes overshadowed by mother–child relationships in musical theatre. Edward Bloom is as flawed as he is charming, a man who tries to protect those he loves by spinning fantastical yarns. From an audience perspective, it’s a refreshing dive into the complexities of fatherhood: how one can simultaneously be a hero in the mind of a child and a source of exasperation for that same child as they grow older.

In many ways, BIG FISH is a celebration of parents who strive to create wonder for their children—despite their own limitations and insecurities. The musical invites us to see beyond the tall tales, recognising the sacrifices, fears, and love that go into being a parent. In an industry where mother–child bonds often take centre stage, this father–child dynamic feels like a breath of fresh air.

One Step Closer To Broadway

All signs point to this reading being a major step towards a fresh Broadway run for BIG FISH. The involvement of high-profile talents like Patrick Wilson and Jerry Zaks is significant, suggesting that producers are aiming to make a big splash when it officially returns to the public stage. Although no formal timeline has been announced, the buzz surrounding this workshop indicates that fans won’t have to wait too long before hearing more.

If you’re eager to stay updated, keep an eye on theatre news outlets and the official channels of TRW Production and Theatrical Rights Worldwide. As soon as BIG FISH sets a confirmed schedule for its return, you can expect tickets to become a hot commodity among theatre lovers.

A Curtain Call On Possibility

So why does BIG FISH continue to enchant? Perhaps it’s because we all see a bit of ourselves—our hopes, our regrets, our need to connect—in Edward Bloom’s stories. He’s a character who believes that life doesn’t have to be ordinary, that through imagination and love, we can turn our everyday experiences into something spectacular. And for Will, understanding those grandiose tales becomes the key to understanding his father’s heart.

As we await the next chapter of BIG FISH, there’s every reason to believe that its compelling mix of myth and reality will resonate with a new wave of theatre fans. After all, in a world that can sometimes feel too ordinary, we could all do with a reminder to dream bigger, dive deeper, and embrace the magic hidden within our own lives.