Dexter’s Michael C. Hall Eyeing Broadway Return in ‘Big Fish’

Michael C. Hall, the Emmy-nominated star of Showtime’s “Dexter” and HBO’s “Six Feet Under,” is apparently considering a return to Broadway via “Big Fish,” a musical rendition of Daniel Wallace’s acclaimed novel. Although he is most often associated with his grisly portrayal of the two-faced protagonist in “Dexter”, Hall has appeared in numerous Broadway and off-Broadway shows, including productions of “Chicago,” “Cabaret,” “Skylight,” Macbeth” and “Henry V.” For Hall, returning to New York City stages should also carry additional significance: he completed his artistic training at the acclaimed Tisch School of the Arts, a division of New York University.

If his plan comes to fruition, Hall will assume the leading role in “Big Fish,” portraying Edward Bloom, a father and former traveling salesman who recounts the tall tales of his itinerant career from his deathbed. According to those in-the-know, the lead casting was originally intended for Hugh Jackman, who was unable to commit to the production due to scheduling entanglements with upcoming movie shoots.

The creative team behind Broadway’s “Fish” includes composer Andrew Lippa and writer John August. August also completed the screenplay for the movie adaption of “Big Fish” which featured Ewan McGregor and Albert Finney. Lippa has worked extensively throughout the New York theater scene, contributing his musical talents to the 1999 Broadway remake of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” among others. “Big Fish” is scheduled to open in the springtime of 2012. For those eager to experience a strikingly different (and musical) side of Michael C. Hall, it can’t come soon enough.