Steve Schalchlin and Jim Brochu, creators of The Last Session, extend their new musical, The Big Voice: God or Merman?, yet again, now through Dec. 29 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles.

The semi-autobiographical musical piece, which stars both men and opened Oct. 12, is also looking to tour in the spring with a late 2003 bow Off-Broadway, a spokesperson for Brochu said.

Michael Alden, who produced The Last Session, will also produce The Big Voice in New York.

A musical comedy, The Big Voice is about two men, one a Catholic from Brooklyn and the other a Baptist from Texas, who decide to test God, but find musical theatre legend Ethel Merman at the end of their spiritual search. Songs in the score include "Why?," "I Want to Make Music," "James Robertson," "Us Catholics," "The Closet," "Where Is God? Part One," "Beyond the Light," "Near You," "Christmastime," "Where Is God? Part II," "You Are a Stranger," "One New Hell," "A Simple Faith," "Scarecrow" and "Why? (Reprise)." A CD of the show is available.

The Last Session also dealt with religion in musical form. It was the story of an ex-rock musician who wants to record one last disc's worth of songs before he kills himself to prevent a lingering death from AIDS. The tale also tells of the evolving prejudices of one of his hired singers, a confused young Christian. Tickets are $20. The Zephyr Theatre is located at 7456 Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. For reservations, call (323) 852-9111. The Big Voice is on the web at http://www.thebigvoice.com.

– By Christine Ehren