The world premiere will be Sept. 17 at the 45th Street Theatre, 345 West 45th Street, N.Y., N.Y. Performances are scheduled for 1 PM and 4:30 PM.

Blue Lou and the Bullyfish tells the story of Blue Lou, a young fish who lives in the Rainbow Sea and desperately wants to be a member of the Big Fish Club. When the leaders of the club try to get him to eat his best friend, Shrimpy, Blue Lou has a big decision to make. Should he do what the Big Fish say, or stand up to their bullying and stay true to his best friend? Come to a land where blowfish blow, starfish glow and you can “Just Be You!”

The cast includes Jodi Epstein (Shrimpy), Bill Brown (Hammer), Bruce Curless (Sleaze), Colin Aarons (Claw), Kimberly Valde (The Storyteller), Jarad Benn (Blue Lou) and Rhonda V. Fidelia (Octavia).

Originally produced as a musical storybook and then adapted into a stage version, Blue Lou and the Bullyfish is appropriate for children of all ages who are faced with the issues of peer pressure and bullying. Parents, grandparents and teachers can relate to the characters’ feelings, fears and challenges, as well as enjoy the catchy, upbeat music and value of the show’s message.

The original cast compact disc features Tony nominee John Tartaglia singing the lead role of Blue Lou. The Philadelphia Physicians for Responsible Medicine and the Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth have both endorsed this project and will benefit from its sales.

The creative team includes Andrea Green Feigenbaum (composer, lyricist), Stephanie Arasim Portnoy (writer), Bruce Curless (director), Joseph Fitzmartin (musical director), Joani Lenett Whinston (technical director).

Big Splash Productions’ mission is to raise the consciousness of children of all ages through storytelling, while providing both an educational and entertaining experience. Using entertainment as a vehicle, Big Splash Productions provides children, parents, teachers and caregivers with solutions to social, physical and emotional issues that affect their everyday lives. Big Splash Productions’ signature interactive approach to musical theater helps children develop positive behavior and feelings of self-worth and equality.

(Playbill.com is a media partner of the New York Musical Theatre Festival 2006.)