Fabulous "Big Voice" Heading for New York!

[eslgr8]

Posted: 1/30/06 at 11:31am

The Big Voice: God or Merman, is what Brokeback Mountain would have been had Ennis and Jack lived their 20 year relationship openly...and been theater queens instead of cowboys!

I was fortunate yesterday to see the last of the three final return engagement peformances of Jim Brochu and Steve Schalchlin's hilarious and moving "Duo Performance" The Big Voice: God or Merman, which won the 2005 Ovation Award for Best Musical (Intimate Theater). The show is heading for New York with already three (count'em 3) theaters vying for it. After seeing this extraordinary two man show, I can see why it's become such a hit and will continue to attract Big Voice fanatics on the East Coast.

Jim and Steve tell the story of the ups and downs of their 20 year relationship, beginning with their very different childhoods (Jim a New York City Catholic dreaming of being Pope and Steve a Southern Baptist dreaming of becoming a song writer). Obviously, only one achieved his childhood goal. They meet cute on board ship, fall in love, move in together, and then Steve gets "it," which any gay man living in the 80s or 90s will understand without "it" being spelled out. How Steve's battle with "it" affects their relationship and their careers is the heart of the extraordinary second act.

There are countless laughs and almost as many tears in The Big Voice. The songs are alternately funny and gorgeous, and the only thing missing is an OCR, which hopefully will be coming soon.

The Avery Schreiber theater was filled yesterday with fans and well wishers (including myself and BWW's loridunn and friend Elaine) who gave The Big Voice a deserved and lengthy standing ovation.

Since so many of you are on the East Coast, you will be the lucky ones to experience The Big Voice: God or Merman in the coming months.

Lucky you!!!

The Big Voice Website

[steveshack]

Posted: 1/30/06 at 12:50pm

It was a wonderful performance. Thanks so much, Steven, for your very generous remarks. It was a thrill to be back doing it after several months off. Not only do we have three theatres vying for us, but this weekend we also had representatives of the Shuberts, the Nederlander, Warner/Chappell, executive staff of the LA Times, Carol DeLouise (Dom's wife), Dean Kay (a great songwriter and former ASCAP board member, some film producers, agents and many others. Is this what it feels like when you're perceived as "hot?" If not, I can't wait to see what hot feels like.

I really am looking forward to playing New York. I think our show is really a "musical queen" show. There are so many theatre references and little "in jokes" for theatre queens, kings and other assorted royalty.

We also have a great creative team onboard for set design and the etceteras. This show is now pulling US along! (I'm so used to having to push. Not it feels like a bucking bronco.)

Steve Schalchlin
Composer/actor The Big Voice: God or Merman?
Living In The Bonus Round

[eslgr8]

Posted: 1/30/06 at 3:55pm

You deserve all the success you're garnering for this extraordinary show!

[uncageg]

Posted: 1/30/06 at 4:05pm

Is there a tentative date for the New York opening. I am going to be in New York for a week in June to attend the Tony awards and see several shows. This show looks like something I don't want to miss!

[steveshack]

Posted: 1/30/06 at 5:22pm

We are hoping to open in May, if everything works out. If not, then we'll probably open in the Fall, but so far, it all looks positive for May. I'm qualifying it as much as possible because booking New York has many pitfalls and you never know when something might throw a wrench in the works. But we have signed with producers. We do have investors and venues. It all looks good.

By the way, a friend of mine, Alexandra Billings just wrote about her experience at The Big Voice yesterday. It's a really emotional and beautiful blog entry. I'll link to it below:
Alexandra's blog entry on The Big Voice

[loridunn]

Posted: 1/31/06 at 3:20am

This musical made for probably my favorite theatre experience yet. I was moved by every aspect beginning with both adorable children and their dreams in religion to beautiful men who were changing lives. It is easy to see why this show has been getting such wonderful press, because it is really that good.

When I first walked into the theatre I did not know what to expect. 2 chairs, 1 table, and 1 keyboard. I thought that I might be watching the show as more of a concert, but I was proved very wrong. With such a minimal set Steve and Jim transported the audience from home to ship and back home again. Jim's house seemed as empty as he described yet when Steve took over I could feel the warmth. Following Jim's days as he wanted to be his "favorite rercording artist" was a true delight, such comedic timing. From the title, "The Big Voice: God or Merman", I knew that some form of religion would be discussed and Ethel obviously had to creep in there. But the way each scene flowed together seamlessly made me feel like I was watching life, and growth, instead of focusing on how the title of the play will fit in. As in many productions you are given pieces throughout but at the end you are moved with the full connection.

I feel extremely honored that Steve and Jim were willing to put their life on display like this. They are very brave and I in return am very grateful. To re-live some of those moments shared so long ago, be it happy or heartbreaking, had to be an extremely difficult/interesting process. I waqs moved in many ways. I always take something from a production but this one changed everything. I feel like I cannot take anything for granted, and true love will always survive.

So yet again THANK-YOU steveshack and thank your marvelous husband for me as well. I only wish that I could see this a few more times before it becomes a big success in New York!

Oh and Eslgr8 and I were discussing the infamous "nightgown". I know it's probably not true but it brings me joy to think that is actually something he wore. If not, I'll live, but just the thought of that makes me giggle.

[Patronus]

Posted: 1/31/06 at 6:55am

Steve, is there any chance you guys play another LA-area show before the move to NY?

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 1/31/06 at 8:05pm

It's a fabulous show...and I highly recommend it as well!!!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/31/06 at 8:12pm

I'm jumpin on the love fest wagon....It's marvelous, heartfelt, heartbreaking and joyous.

[steveshack]

Posted: 1/31/06 at 9:38pm

I'm really honored by all the kind words. Thank you, Lori, for your review. I'm really just taken aback by the incredible response from this past weekend.

>Steve, is there any chance you guys play another LA-area show before the move to NY?

Patronus, anything is possible, but nothing is planned. We are focused totally on getting the off-Broadway production up. But, as you know, we don't really need a set. So, if some area theatre were to extend an invitation for us to do something similar to what we did in North Hollywood this past weekend -- which we did, donating our services so that they could pay some bills -- we would be more than happy to discuss it with them.

[Patronus]

Posted: 1/31/06 at 9:41pm

Hopefully someone will do just that.

I'd really like to see you guys before you move to New York.

[steveshack]

Posted: 1/31/06 at 9:48pm

Patronus, if you know anyone you think would like for us to do just that, let them know. We're not really actively seeking another LA production since we've already had a run, but we love doing the show and we love supporting LA theatres.

[Patronus]

Posted: 1/31/06 at 9:50pm

Well, I have a pretty big living room.

I'll ask around and see what I can come up with.

[steveshack]

Posted: 1/31/06 at 9:53pm

>Well, I have a pretty big living room.

When we first began doing the show three years ago (in workshop), we told everyone that we would take it door to door. So, don't be surprised if we show up. Just have pizza ready!