Big Deal (musical)

Big Deal is a musical with a book by Bob Fosse, adapted from the 1957 Italian film Big Deal on Madonna Street (Italian: I soliti ignoti, lit. "The Usual Unknowns"), which was itself a parody of the heist film Rififi. The music is primarily adapted from songs written and/or performed by artists like Hoagy Carmichael, Duke Ellington, and others from the early 20th century, with new arrangements by Ralph Burns.

The musical is set in 1930s Chicago, during the Great Depression, and focuses on a group of small-time criminals attempting to pull off a robbery. The plot revolves around their ineptitude and the complications that arise as their plan goes awry.

Big Deal premiered on Broadway at the Broadway Theatre on April 10, 1986, and closed on June 29, 1986, after 69 performances and 31 previews. The production was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. Despite winning the Tony Award for Best Choreography (also awarded to Fosse), and Best Costume Design, the show was not a commercial success. Its lack of success is often attributed to its weak book and difficulty in connecting with audiences.